Early warning signs?

What were the earliest signs you remember seeing in a loved one who has since been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s?

I know something is wrong with my mom, I just don’t know what. It may be important to add she does have a history of substance use, severe arterial disease, heavy smoking, and more. It’s hard at times to tell how these factors play in.

I am so scared it’s dementia and trying to prepare. We see a neuropsychologist next month.

Her behaviors have included:
-missing MANY bills, I finally got her set up on autopay for all
-apathy
-lack of engagement in conversations, talking “at” not to
-lack of focus
-struggling with remembering new information. She does fairly well recalling things that have been part of her routine for years.
-following directions or problem solving
-she has lost hours and days of time more than once
-sharing the same stories over and over, especially stories from decades age
-repeating herself
-many good days where she seems fairly normal and remembers we have appointments, follows up on information I recently shared, etc. these days are what throw me.

I know no one here is a doctor. Just curious if these signs resonate with anyone. I’m 31 so I just don’t have anyone to talk to about this who has been through anything similar.