U.S publication Globe claims that the 75 year old has become so confused, she often gets lost during outings.
In fact, things have allegedly become so bad that the star rarely strays far from the Malibu mansion she shares with husband James Brolin for fear of getting lost.
“She gets lost in a department store and gets dizzy even in a favourite restaurant, which is why she stays home most of the time now,” spills an insider.
Despite making an appearance at the Golden Globes earlier this week, where her onstage demeanor did not indicate any apparent problems, Barbra is said to be becoming something of a hermit, claims Globe.
“She doesn’t want to tour anymore. It’s too disorientating to leave home. Home is her comfort zone.
‘She gets asked to so many things but she usually declines, even the small dinner parties hosted by friends and neighbours.
‘She’s shying away from the public eye and even many of her friends, leading them to fear these are symptoms of early dementia.'
And the star’s reported memory loss made filming her new Netflix special, Barbra: the music…the Mem’ries…the Magic! somewhat of a struggle, says an onset source.
“She’d walk around on stage and forget where the cameras were,” says the insider.
“Barbra joked about them drawing yellow lines on the floor so she coujld find her dressing room, but it’s really no laughing matter.”
The star has yet to respond to Globe's allegations.