Neurologist reveals 5 signs that someone might be at risk of dementia

Dementia is thought of as a memory problem, but experts say it’s much more than forgetting names or misplacing keys. Recently, Dr Bing, a neurologist and brain health advocate, shared a video on social media highlighting 5 surprising signs that might reveal a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. These are not the usual textbook symptoms but subtle body and lifestyle signals that deserve attention.
Here’s what we need to know about each of these warning signs.

According to Dr Bing, the inability to balance on one leg for at least 10 seconds (in people 70 years or younger) could point to neurological decline. This isn’t about being a yoga expert, it’s about the brain’s coordination with the body.

​Studies have shown that poor balance is linked to brain aging and reduced cognitive function. It may indicate small vessel disease in the brain, which is known to increase dementia risk. Balance is a reflection of brain health, and losing it too early might be a red flag.

It sounds like a fitness test, but squats are actually a measure of muscle strength and mobility. Dr Bing notes that struggling with a basic squat could hint at underlying weakness tied to brain health.

​Research has found that reduced lower-body strength often correlates with frailty and cognitive decline. Weakness doesn’t cause dementia directly, but it signals reduced brain-muscle communication, which scientists say can be an early warning sign.

This might seem harmless, but when someone starts physically moving, talking, or “acting” while dreaming, neurologists pay close attention. Dr. Bing highlights this as a serious sign.

Acting out dreams is linked to a condition called REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD). Multiple studies confirm that RBD is often an early marker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and certain forms of dementia. What feels like restless sleep could actually be the brain sending signals of deeper trouble.

Loneliness isn’t just an emotional state, it is a biological stressor. Dr Bing explains that even a “subjective feeling” of loneliness, regardless of actual social connections, can harm brain health.

​Research published in journals like Alzheimer’s and Dementia shows that people who consistently feel lonely have higher risks of memory decline and dementia. The brain interprets loneliness as chronic stress, which fuels inflammation and damages neural connections over time.

This might be the most surprising sign of all. Grip strength is often used to measure overall muscle health, but Dr Bing points out its strong connection with dementia risk.

​Studies from major medical journals reveal that weaker hand grip strength is linked to faster cognitive decline. The explanation lies in the brain-muscle connection, if the nervous system is weakening, the grip tends to weaken too. It’s a small test with a big message about brain health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is based on insights shared by Dr Bing (MD, MPH) and supported by scientific research. It should not replace professional medical advice. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should consult a qualified healthcare provider.