Worried a relative is showing signs of dementia?

It’s natural to worry when a loved one starts forgetting things, repeating themselves or behaving in uncharacteristic ways. While we all experience occasional lapses in memory or concentration, persistent changes could signal the early signs of dementia.

Recognising these signs early means families can take action, seek the right support and plan ahead with compassion and clarity. In this article, we’ll guide you through the signs to look out for, how to approach conversations and where to turn for expert support.

What is dementia?

Dementia is not a single condition, but an umbrella term for a group of symptoms caused by damage to the brain. This damage affects memory, thinking, language and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, but there are several types, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia, each with slightly different symptoms.

Dementia is progressive, meaning symptoms tend to worsen over time. But with early diagnosis and the right care, people living with dementia can continue to live well for many years.

Spotting the signs of dementia

Dementia can develop gradually, making early symptoms easy to overlook. Often, it’s not one big moment that sparks concern, but a pattern of small changes in memory, behaviour or personality that build up over time. You might notice a relative repeating questions, struggling to follow conversations or becoming more withdrawn in social situations.

While occasional forgetfulness is a natural part of ageing, dementia-related memory loss tends to disrupt everyday life more significantly. For example, someone might forget recently learned information, lose track of dates or appointments or misplace things in unusual places.

Other signs to look out for include:

Difficulty concentrating or problem-solving
Getting lost in familiar places
Changes in mood, personality or judgement
Difficulty finding the right words or following conversations
Withdrawal from work or social activities

If you’re unsure whether the changes you’re noticing are typical or something more concerning, it can help to refer to a professional guide. Dementia UK’s signs and symptoms guide offers a clear, practical breakdown of what to look for, including how different types of dementia can affect people in different ways.

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s always worth seeking advice from a GP or dementia specialist. Early support can make a meaningful difference, both for your loved one and for you.

How to raise concerns gently

Talking to a loved one about your concerns isn’t easy. They may be unaware of the changes you’re seeing, or feel scared, embarrassed or defensive.

Here are some tips to help guide a calm and supportive conversation:

Choose a quiet, private moment when you’re both relaxed
Use “I” statements – for example, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed more forgetful lately, and I just want to make sure you’re okay”
Be specific about what you’ve observed, without sounding accusatory
Reassure them that you’re there to support them, not to criticise
Suggest seeing a GP as a helpful first step, for peace of mind, if nothing else

If your relative is open to it, offer to accompany them to the appointment. Having a trusted person there can help them feel more at ease.

When to seek professional support

An early assessment by a GP or memory specialist can help rule out other causes, such as stress, depression, infection or vitamin deficiencies, which can mimic dementia symptoms.

If dementia is diagnosed, support is available to help both your loved one and your family adjust. Knowing the cause of the symptoms allows for better planning, access to dementia care services and potential treatments to manage symptoms or slow progression.

For guidance on professional care at home, explore Trinity’s dementia care services, designed to offer calm, familiar support at every stage of the journey.

How dementia affects families

Watching someone you care about change in ways you can’t control is never easy. Families often feel overwhelmed, uncertain or even guilty. There may be disagreement about how best to support a relative, or worry about how to balance their care needs with other responsibilities.

The important thing is to take one step at a time, and remember you’re not alone. Whether you’re considering full-time live-in care or need respite support, Trinity Homecare can help you navigate this journey with empathy and expertise.

Ways to support a loved one at home

Even in the early stages, dementia can make everyday tasks feel more difficult. You can support your loved one by making small adjustments at home:

Establishing a regular routine to reduce confusion
Using calendars, clocks and labels to support memory
Keeping pathways and spaces clutter-free to reduce fall risk
Encouraging involvement in familiar activities, like cooking or gardening
Being patient with repeated questions or changes in behaviour

As dementia progresses, you may find your loved one needs help with personal care, mobility, or staying safe at home. That’s where tailored dementia care services can make a real difference.

Professional dementia care at home

Trinity Homecare offers award-winning dementia care that is built around the person, not just their diagnosis. Whether through visiting care a few hours a week or live-in care, our carers focus on building trust, familiarity and emotional wellbeing.

Our dementia care includes:

Support with daily routines and personal care
Gentle reminders for meals and medication
Mobility assistance and fall prevention
Companionship and meaningful activities
Peace of mind for families

Every carer is trained in dementia-specific communication and understands how to respond sensitively to changes in mood, memory and behaviour.

Looking after yourself as a carer

Caring for someone with dementia can be deeply rewarding, but also emotionally draining. It’s important to look after your own wellbeing too.

Make time for breaks, ask for help when you need it and consider joining a local or online support group to share experiences. If things start to feel overwhelming, respite care can offer you valuable time to rest and recharge.

Talk to us today

Worried that someone close to you may be developing dementia? You don’t have to navigate this alone. From understanding the early signs to arranging specialist care at home, Trinity Homecare is here to help.

We’ve supported thousands of families to create calm, consistent care plans that evolve with their loved one’s needs. Whether you’re ready to arrange care now or just want to talk through your options, we’re here to listen.

Call us now on 020 4572 2723 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we’ll get back to you the next day.