Noticing changes in a loved one’s memory, behaviour or ability to manage everyday tasks can be worrying. While occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of ageing, persistent or noticeable changes can sometimes be an early sign of dementia.
Recognising the early signs of dementia can help you seek medical advice sooner and make plans for the support your loved one may need. Dementia is not a single condition and symptoms can vary depending on the type and the individual.
If you are concerned about changes in a loved one, a GP can help determine what may be causing them and whether further assessment is needed.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms associated with changes in the brain. These can affect memory, thinking, communication, behaviour and the ability to manage everyday activities.
There are several types of dementia, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
The symptoms and rate of progression can vary considerably from one person to another. Some people may initially remain largely independent, while others may need additional support with everyday tasks as their symptoms progress.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing, so if you notice changes that are affecting your loved one’s daily life, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional rather than assuming they are simply a normal part of getting older.
For more information about dementia, its symptoms, stages and treatment, see our dementia information guide.
Why is it important to recognise the early signs of dementia?
The early symptoms of dementia can be subtle and may initially be mistaken for normal ageing. Common early symptoms can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, problems carrying out familiar tasks, language difficulties, confusion about time or place and changes in mood.
Identifying changes and seeking medical advice can help your loved one receive an appropriate assessment and diagnosis. There can be other reasons for symptoms such as memory loss or confusion, so a GP can help investigate what may be causing them.
An early diagnosis can also give your loved one and their family more time to think about the future. This might include discussing care preferences, making practical arrangements and considering how they would like to continue living as their needs change.
The Alzheimer’s Society’s guidance on dementia diagnosis explains the typical steps involved, from speaking to a GP through to specialist assessment.
What are the early signs of dementia?
Dementia affects everyone differently, but there are some common symptoms to be aware of.
1. Memory problems
One of the most recognised early signs of dementia is ongoing memory loss.
Your loved one may regularly forget recent conversations, appointments or events. They may repeatedly ask the same questions or struggle to remember information they have recently been given.
Occasionally forgetting something and remembering it later is usually not a cause for concern. More persistent memory problems that begin to interfere with everyday life are worth discussing with a GP.
2. Difficulty planning or solving problems
Your loved one may begin finding familiar tasks more difficult than they used to.
For example, they might struggle to follow a recipe they have made many times, manage household finances or plan a familiar journey. They may also have difficulty working through problems that they would previously have handled without assistance.
3. Difficulty with familiar everyday tasks
Changes in the ability to complete familiar activities can be another early indication of dementia.
Your loved one may have difficulty using household appliances, managing medication, preparing meals or carrying out other routines they have followed for years.
These changes can sometimes be gradual, making them difficult to notice at first.
4. Confusion about time or place
Someone living with dementia may become confused about dates, times or where they are.
They might lose track of the day or become unsure about where they are going, even somewhere that was previously familiar. Getting lost on a familiar route can also be a warning sign that should not be ignored.
5. Difficulty finding the right words
Changes in language and communication can occur during the early stages of dementia.
Your loved one may struggle to find the right word during a conversation, lose track of what they were saying or have difficulty following a discussion.
They may also begin using unusual words to describe familiar objects because they cannot remember their name.
6. Problems with concentration
Difficulty concentrating can make everyday activities more challenging.
Your loved one may struggle to follow a conversation, read a book, watch a television programme or complete a task that requires several steps.
7. Changes in judgement or decision-making
Dementia can affect a person’s ability to make decisions or judge situations in the way they previously would.
You might notice unusual decisions about money, personal safety or other aspects of everyday life. This can sometimes become more apparent when managing bills, shopping or dealing with unfamiliar situations.
8. Changes in mood or behaviour
Changes in personality, mood or behaviour can also occur.
Your loved one may become unusually anxious, irritable, withdrawn or upset. They may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed or behave differently in social situations.
These changes can have many possible causes, so it is important not to assume they are caused by dementia without seeking medical advice.
9. Misplacing things
Everyone misplaces their belongings from time to time. However, repeatedly putting things in unusual places and being unable to retrace their steps may be a sign that something has changed.
Your loved one may also become convinced that someone has taken an item because they cannot remember where they left it.
10. Changes in visual perception
Some people with dementia experience difficulties with visual perception. They may have problems judging distances, recognising objects or navigating spaces.
These changes can sometimes make everyday activities, such as moving around the home, more difficult.
What should I do if I notice signs of dementia?
If you have noticed several changes in your loved one’s memory, thinking, behaviour or ability to manage everyday activities, arrange an appointment with their GP.
It can be helpful to go with them if they are comfortable with this. You may be able to provide useful information about changes you have noticed and when they started. The NHS also recommends having someone who knows the person well at the appointment where possible, as they can describe changes they have noticed.
Before the appointment, make a note of any symptoms you have noticed, how frequently they occur and whether they are affecting your loved one’s everyday life.
The Alzheimer’s Society dementia symptoms checklist can help you record changes before speaking to a GP. It is not a diagnostic tool, but can help you explain your concerns and how long symptoms have been present.
A GP may carry out an initial assessment and, if appropriate, arrange further tests or refer your loved one to a specialist. There is no single test for dementia. Assessment can involve looking at symptoms and medical history, cognitive tests and blood tests to rule out other possible causes.
It is important to remember that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that someone has dementia. Other health conditions and circumstances can cause similar changes.
What happens after a dementia diagnosis?
Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be difficult for both the person affected and their family. However, having a diagnosis can also provide an opportunity to understand what support may be needed and make plans together.
Early planning can help your loved one have more say in decisions about their future care while they are able to express their wishes.
This may include discussing:
- Where they would like to live
- What support they may need at home
- Who they would like involved in their care
- How they would like to manage changes to their daily routine
- What practical and financial arrangements need to be considered
- What support is available for family members
It can also help to create a personalised care plan setting out your loved one’s needs, preferences and the support they may require as those needs change.
If you are unsure when care may become necessary, our guide to when someone with dementia may need to move into a care home provides further guidance.
Planning dementia care at home
A dementia diagnosis does not automatically mean that someone needs to leave their home.
Many people living with dementia continue to live at home with the right support. Depending on their needs, this could include help from family members, visiting care, adaptations around the home or more comprehensive live-in support.
Making changes to the home can also help someone living with dementia remain safe and independent for longer. Our guide to home adaptations for the elderly covers some of the changes that may help.
As dementia progresses, care needs may change. Having conversations about future care early can help families prepare for these changes rather than making decisions during a crisis.
It can be helpful to discuss these decisions together as a family. Our guide to holding a family meeting to agree on elderly parents’ care offers practical advice on approaching these conversations.
Could live-in dementia care help?
For someone who wants to remain at home but needs more consistent support, live-in dementia care can provide one-to-one assistance throughout the day and night.
A live-in carer can support your loved one with everyday routines, personal care, meals, mobility and companionship while helping them remain in familiar surroundings.
Trinity Homecare provides live-in dementia care tailored to each person’s needs, preferences and routines.
The aim is not simply to provide care, but to help your loved one maintain as much independence, familiarity and choice as possible as their needs change.
How Trinity Homecare can help
At Trinity Homecare, we understand that dementia can affect every aspect of daily life. Our fully managed care service provides personalised support designed around the individual and their changing needs.
We are rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and provide specialist care for people living with dementia in their own homes.
Depending on your loved one’s needs, care may include:
- Support with personal care and everyday routines
- Help with meals and household tasks
- Medication support
- Companionship and reassurance
- Mobility support
- Support attending appointments
- Assistance with changing care needs
- One-to-one live-in dementia care
If you are considering care for a loved one, our team can discuss their circumstances, explain the available options and arrange a care assessment.
Talk to Trinity Homecare
If you have noticed possible early signs of dementia in a loved one and are unsure what to do next, our friendly care team is here to help.
We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and can provide information about the different types of care available.
If you have any questions about arranging live-in dementia care, simply get in touch with our helpful and knowledgeable care team.
