What are the early signs and symptoms of Dementia?

Dementia is a term used to describe the ongoing decline of brain function, and is not a specific disease itself. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia - making up approximately 60% of diagnoses in the UK. 

Although it can be scary to consider a loved one showing signs and symptoms of dementia, it’s important to remember that everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. There are some early shared symptoms of dementia, which you can look out for in order to get support as early as possible.

15 common signs and symptoms of dementia

There are a number of early symptoms of dementia which can help to diagnose the disease. It’s important to note that someone exhibiting one or some of these symptoms won’t necessarily be showing early signs of dementia, and mild cognitive impairment can happen as we age. It’s always worth speaking to your GP if you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one.

Although a bad memory is the most commonly cited symptom of dementia, there are a number of other signs of the disease which you might be able to identify. Here, we’ve put together an early signs of dementia checklist.

Memory loss

Memory loss can affect us all in some capacity at one point or another. You might forget where you left your keys, or what time you booked an appointment for. But people showing early signs of dementia will begin exhibiting this in a greater capacity. 

They may begin forgetting things more often, and will struggle to recall them later. This may be particularly obvious with someone’s loss of short-term memory, in that they struggle to recall recent events and memories.

Difficulty concentrating

Again, concentration levels can fluctuate from person to person, and from day to day. But as dementia progresses, someone’s attention levels can seriously decline. For example, they might struggle to finish washing the dishes or planning a journey in the first instance, but their concentration levels could prevent them from doing the most basic of tasks such as making a cup of tea or showering in later stages of dementia.

Loss of everyday skills

Similarly to a loss of concentration skills, someone losing the ability to do everyday tasks could be an early warning sign of dementia. Changes to coordination and movement could affect simple tasks such as eating, walking and getting dressed. Although everyone’s early symptoms of dementia can present in different ways, it’s worth keeping a particular eye on someone’s ability to look after themselves, as this can be a sign of cognitive impairment.

Trouble finding the right words

It’s very common for people to struggle to find the right words sometimes, but someone living with dementia may forget simple words and phrases. They may also substitute words that don’t necessarily make sense and could make sentences difficult to understand. In some types of dementia, a person may start to have problems with language much earlier than other types of dementia, and it is likely to be one of the first symptoms that is noticed.

Apathy & withdrawal

Personality changes with dementia, and a symptom of this can be the development of apathy. This could present in a number of ways, but if someone begins to lose their ability to sequence and plan tasks, as well as levels of motivation. If a person with apathy is withdrawn, they might stop doing things and lose their confidence and abilities which in turn, can make their apathy worse. 

Apathy is one of the most common symptoms of dementia, and the person with dementia is usually not aware of or bothered by it.

Time & place confusion

Time confusion in elderly people can be a common sign of ageing. But someone with dementia can lose track of time and dates. They can also have trouble understanding the planning of an event in the future and might feel confused about where they are.

Confusion with familiar faces or names

Perhaps one of the most difficult symptoms of dementia to manage and deal with, is confusion with familiar faces or names. If a loved one begins to have trouble recognising people they see on a regular basis such as family members - or even the postman, it could be an early stage of dementia. As the disease progresses, they could struggle to recognise very close loved ones, and even photographs or reflections of themselves.

Increased irritability or agitation

Although irritability and agitation can be a common day-to-day feeling for many of us, someone with dementia may become increasingly agitated and fidgety. They could begin tapping their fingers or make other repetitive movements, which may seem out of character. In terms of their safety, it’s important to look out for restless behaviours which could see them trying to regularly leave the house.

Repetitive questioning or statements

Dementia can cause a level of anxiety and insecurity, which in turn can lead to repetitive statements and questioning. This might be someone trying to express a specific concern or ask for help, but as people with dementia gradually lose the ability to communicate, it’s important to keep an eye out for their wants and needs.

Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

This symptom ties in with apathy and withdrawal. Someone exhibiting early signs of dementia might lose interest in hobbies or activities that they once enjoyed. This may present as passivity, a lack of interest or enthusiasm or the loss of initiation, and someone might rely more heavily on others to come up with ideas for things to do.

Misplacing items and difficulty retracing steps

Although it’s common for us to put the milk in the cupboard when we’re in a rush in the mornings, people with dementia might begin to put belongings in unusual places and then forget where they are. Some people might also begin to blame others for missing possessions, or accuse others of stealing their missing possessions.

Difficulty with navigating

Big cities and confusing road networks are hard for anyone. But someone showing early signs of dementia might struggle with the simplest of navigation tasks. This could include understanding a new route or recognising landmarks. As the disease progresses, this could include struggling with routes they may have once done on a daily basis, and having difficulty understanding how to navigate around their home.

Difficulty organising or planning

Someone with dementia may begin to find it difficult to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. This could present in day-to-day tasks such as following a recipe or keeping track of bills, due to a loss in concentration levels. They may also take longer doing things they would have done much quicker before suffering with dementia.

Difficulty in recognising objects

As cognitive difficulties begin to present as dementia progresses, someone may also have visuospatial difficulties - which means that the brain has problems processing information about 3D objects. This can affect someone’s spatial awareness, making it difficult to judge distances and use things such as the stairs, or driving a car.

Decreased hygiene and self-care

Tying in with dementia memory loss, it can be quite common for people to forget about basic personal care and hygiene. They may neglect self care such as bathing or showering, changing their clothes or laundry. Although this can be upsetting for both the person and their family, it’s important to respect their privacy as far as you can, without causing embarrassment. 

Conditions with symptoms similar to dementia

People with some of the above symptoms don’t necessarily have dementia. Many treatable diseases and conditions have symptoms similar to dementia. 

Medical conditions such as liver, kidney, heart and lung problems can all exhibit some dementia-like symptoms. 

Older people with poor vision can show signs of dementia-like symptoms such as poor spatial awareness and an inability to concentrate on books and television programmes.

It’s also common for stroke sufferers to show some signs of dementia. Although this can make it more difficult to diagnose dementia in stroke patients, it’s also important to remember that the two aren’t necessarily linked, and that one does not cause the other. People with hearing difficulties may appear to show signs of dementia because they have difficulty following conversations. Regular sight and hearing tests can help to resolve these difficulties.

Emotional distress can cause a number of symptoms - some of which may look dementia-like. The death of a loved one can cause a range of problems from exhaustion, sleep deprivation and high blood pressure. All of which can lead to irritability, memory less, hallucinations and a loss of appetite. Always exercise empathy and patience with someone going through a bereavement, and keep an eye on their emotional welfare.

Difference between dementia and typical age-related changes

It’s common for the body and mind to change as we age. Forgetfulness, slight cognitive decline and short-term and long-term memory loss can just be signs of old age.

Older people can develop a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which can affect their memory and thinking abilities as they age. These people can usually take care of themselves, and although MCI may be an early sign of dementia, it’s not always linked.

Sudden memory loss in elderly people may be a sign of a more serious problem, as dementia typically causes cognitive difficulties at a slow and steady rate. 

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and includes the loss of cognitive functions such as memory, reasoning and learning. It interferes with a person’s quality of life and often leads to someone requiring care as their condition worsens. Memory loss, although common, is not the only sign of dementia.

What to do if you notice these signs and how to get help for dementia

If you’re becoming increasingly concerned about a loved one, and have recognised and established a number of symptoms relating to dementia, the best thing to do is call their GP. It may be worthwhile keeping a diary of changes, and you might want to suggest going with your loved one so that you can help them recall what’s being discussed.

It’s also important to talk to the person exhibiting these signs about what you’ve noticed. This can be a confusing and difficult conversation to have - especially if the person is unaware that they have any problems, or they’re struggling to accept their condition.

You may want to put together a list of observations that you’ve made about their behaviour, or a list of questions about their change in behaviour. It’s important to be tactile and empathetic with this conversation, to avoid accusations or confrontation. Perhaps questions such as “have you noticed your symptoms” or “do you think there’s any point in seeking help” might be a good starting point. 

When you have the conversation with them, choose somewhere that is familiar for them, and allow plenty of time.

The Alzheimer's Society has more tips on how to talk to someone about memory problems.

Individuals living with dementia may require extra, or specialised care and support. People living with dementia can find it difficult making sense of their physical surroundings. You may be able to get care at home in the initial stages, but someone living with dementia should move into a care home when they are no longer able to live independently. 

Diagnosis of dementia

The initial step is to talk to your friend or relative’s GP. They will ask how the symptoms have developed over time and may also do a memory test and physical examination. Blood tests may be done to check if the symptoms are being caused by another condition.

If other causes can be ruled out, the GP will usually refer your loved one to a memory clinic, where they may have a dementia test or other assessments to analyse their condition.

Medical history

Your GP will take a detailed look at their medical history in the first instance, whilst also asking about how and when symptoms started. They’ll check whether existing medical conditions such as depression, and heart disease are being properly managed, and will review any current medications they’re taking to see if they can be altered.

Physical and mental examination

Most GPs will then use a General Practitioner Assessment of Cognition (GOCOG) which can help to show if there are memory difficulties that might need further investigation. These tests will likely be pen-and-paper tests which carry a score and assess short and long-term memory, concentration and attention span, and language and communication skills.

Laboratory tests

Blood tests will then be arranged to exclude any symptoms which could be confused with dementia. These will assess liver, kidney and thyroid function, haemoglobin levels and Vitamin B12. Urine tests may also be carried out to check for infections.

Brain Imaging

Brain scans are used as a final port of call, after all the other tests have ruled out alternative problems. These are usually reserved for those who may not have shown strong indications of dementia in the other tests.

These scans may also be used to check for evidence of other possible problems that could explain a person's symptoms, such as a stroke or a brain tumour.

Additional Resources

If you are caring for someone with dementia, or are looking for a care home for a loved one, there are numerous factors to consider to help you find the right care home.

At Barchester we pride ourselves on delivering the best quality of care, and always ensure that we support you to continue to do the things you love, including for those living with dementia. 

Our specialist units for those living with dementia are called Memory Lane Communities and are designed to celebrate the lives of our residents, whilst keeping them safe and cared for. Find a Barchester Dementia Care Home near you.