Spotting the Early Signs of Dementia

Why this matters

There are around 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK, yet more than a third of them have no formal diagnosis. A large part of that gap comes down to a single misunderstanding: that memory problems in later life are simply to be expected, so there is no point mentioning them.

That belief is worth challenging, because a diagnosis is not only a label. It opens the door to treatment, to support, and to the chance to plan ahead while the person is well able to be part of those decisions. It can also bring real relief, replacing months of quiet worry with an explanation and a way forward.

What normal ageing usually looks like

It helps to start with what is not a cause for concern. Occasionally forgetting a name and remembering it later, sometimes misplacing your keys, or needing a bit longer to learn something new are all ordinary parts of getting older. The memory works a little more slowly, but it works.

The key is the pattern. Normal age-related forgetfulness tends to be occasional and does not stop someone managing their daily life. It is when memory problems become frequent, and begin to interfere with everyday living, that it is worth paying attention.

The early signs to look out for

Dementia affects people differently, and no two experiences are quite the same, but the NHS highlights a number of common early signs. You are looking for changes that are persistent and that get in the way of ordinary life, rather than the odd off day.

Memory loss that affects daily life is the best known. This is not the occasional lapse, but repeatedly forgetting recent conversations or events, asking the same question again and again, or relying more and more on notes and reminders for things that used to be automatic.

Everyday tasks becoming harder is another. Someone might struggle with a familiar routine such as following a recipe they have cooked for years, working out the right change when paying for shopping, or managing household bills.

Problems with words and conversation often appear early. A person may lose the thread of what is being said, repeat themselves without realising, or stop mid-sentence because a common word simply will not come.

Confusion about time and place can show up as losing track of dates, getting muddled about the time of day, or becoming disorientated somewhere that should be familiar.

Changes in mood and personality matter too, and are easy to miss or to put down to something else. Someone may become unusually anxious, low, irritable or withdrawn, lose interest in things they used to enjoy, or seem uncharacteristically suspicious or confused.

It is worth remembering that dementia is not only about memory. It can affect the way a person speaks, thinks, feels and behaves, which is why a run of small changes across several of these areas can be more telling than memory alone.

It might be something else, and that is worth knowing

If you spot some of these signs, it is natural to fear the worst, but memory and thinking problems have many possible causes. Stress, tiredness, depression, a urinary or chest infection, a thyroid problem, a vitamin deficiency or the side effects of certain medicines can all affect the mind, and several of these are entirely treatable.

That is one of the strongest reasons to see a GP rather than wait and worry. Part of what a doctor does is rule out the causes that can be put right, so a visit is worthwhile whatever the outcome.

How to raise it with someone you are worried about

Bringing up memory problems is one of the hardest conversations there is, and it is understandable that people put it off. The Alzheimer's Society suggests choosing a calm, familiar and unhurried setting rather than raising it in the middle of a difficult moment.

It usually helps to lead with care rather than alarm, to talk about specific things you have noticed rather than a general accusation, and to listen to how the person feels, since they may be frightened or in denial. Offering to make the GP appointment together, and to go along, can turn a daunting step into a shared one. If the person is not ready, gently keeping the door open is often more effective than pushing.

Why acting early is worth it

Although there is no cure for dementia, an early diagnosis genuinely improves things. It means the right treatments and support can be put in place sooner, sometimes helping to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life for longer. It allows the person to make their own wishes known and to plan practical and financial matters while they are best placed to do so. And it connects the whole family to help, information and other people going through the same thing, which makes a real difference to how supported everyone feels.

Where to turn

The first step is almost always the GP, who can carry out an initial assessment and refer on to a memory clinic if needed. Beyond that, the Alzheimer's Society and the NHS both offer clear, trustworthy information and support for anyone who is worried, whether or not a diagnosis follows.

And when the time comes to think about day-to-day support, whether that is a little help at home or something more, there are dementia care options to suit different needs and stages. We are always happy to talk things through gently and without any obligation, even if it is simply to help you understand what is available. You can reach us on 0330 1649 900 or through our contact page.