The seven stages of dementia
Stage 1 of 7 · Early stagePre-clinical Dementia (Stage 1): Risk Factors & Early Awareness
If there are no symptoms yet, this is the stage for awareness and lowering risk — here’s what matters and where to begin.
Quick orientation
- Stage 1 means no measurable memory or thinking changes — it’s about risk, not diagnosis.
- Some risk factors you can influence: heart health, hearing, sleep, activity, staying social.
- Learn the difference between normal aging and a warning sign.
What is stage 1?
Stage 1 is the pre-clinical stage — no noticeable symptoms and normal day-to-day function.
Most people are here. If you’re reading this out of worry or a family history, the useful work now is lowering risk where you can and learning what to watch for.
Signs at this stage
A few patterns tend to show up — use them to orient, not to diagnose.
- No noticeable memory or thinking changes
- Here out of worry, family history, or wanting to lower risk
- Interested in brain-health habits and early warning signs
Start here
- Read the in-depth Stage 1 primer — what to expect and what to focus on.
- Take the free 2-minute Stage Finder quiz if you’re not sure this is the right stage.
- Take five minutes with a free meditation made for caregivers.
What to focus on at this stage
A short list of what matters most now — the primer goes deeper.
- Protect brain health (heart health, sleep, hearing, activity, connection)
- Learn normal aging vs. a genuine warning sign
- If watching a parent, note what you observe over time
Frequently asked questions
What are the biggest risk factors for dementia?
Age and family history (unchangeable) plus modifiable factors like heart health, hearing loss, inactivity, and social isolation.
Can you prevent dementia?
There’s no guarantee, but you can lower risk by managing the modifiable factors.
How is normal aging different from dementia?
Occasional forgetfulness is normal; dementia-related changes worsen over time and disrupt daily life.
You are not alone in this.
Day to Day Dementia is a lifetime-membership platform for family caregivers — stage-specific community, guided meditations, and plain-language education.
Become a founding memberA gentle note. Day to Day Dementia offers peer support and companionship — not medical care. This page is general information, not a substitute for advice from a doctor or care professional who knows the full situation. Always involve your loved one's care team in medical and care decisions.