What are the early signs of dementia?

Our guide aims to outline some of the early signs we typically see with a person who has dementia.

What are the early signs of Dementia?

The likelihood of developing dementia increases significantly with age. One in 14 people aged over 65 has dementia. This rises to 1 in 6 for people aged over 80.   There are currently around 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia. It mainly affects people over the age of 65.

Dementia is not a disease in itself, but a term used to describe a group of symptoms that include problems with memory, thinking or language, and changes in mood, emotions, perception and behaviour.  These symptoms vary according to the part of the brain that is damaged.

There are however some common early symptoms that appear before a diagnosis of dementia. These include:

• Memory loss or mental confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty with carrying out familiar tasks such as making decisions
• Struggling to follow a conversation or stumbling over words
• Being confused about time and place
• Loss of sense of time, people, places
• Mood changes

The symptoms often begin mild and worsen over time. Despite common misconception, dementia is not a natural part of ageing and the condition can be slowed down if it is caught early enough. If you notice any of the above symptoms it is vital to seek medical help as soon as possible.

Some things can increase your chances of developing dementia, including:

• high blood pressure
• physical inactivity
• drinking too much alcohol
• smoking
• hearing loss
• diet.

Our staff are trained to care for those living with a myriad of conditions including dementia. Routines and familiar surroundings can really help those living with dementia, person-centred care is an important part of living with Dementia and something in which we are very experienced.

Our care plans are carefully created in consultation with you and the customer. We will listen to you, your needs, and expectations and ensure that what we create is centred on the individual and their needs. Contact us to learn more.

Sources: NHS website, Alzheimers.org.uk