Dementia Insights: Early Signs Of Dementia In Everyday Life

Here are a small selection of case studies. In each, the spouse of someone who developed dementia describes some of the early signs that their husband or wife was developing dementia.

Case 1 – Jenny

Jenny’s diagnosis followed a series of falls after which she was referred to a falls clinic and had an MRI scan. However, her husband realised that she had been displaying symptoms for some time. He’d simply failed to recognise them.

Jenny’s symptoms began to emerge during outdoor activities, which she’d previously enjoyed. She suddenly found that she could no longer ride a bicycle. Soon afterwards, she began to experience difficulty in walking on uneven terrain: on an organised walk, she found she was no longer able to cope with a loose surface. She soon couldn’t walk on anything other than smooth, firm surfaces.

An evening meal out was suddenly confusing and difficult and Jenny sat in silence, not eating, talking or drinking. This caused understandable concern for her husband.

Within the family home, Jenny began to have problems with the phone, being unable to manage the buttons. Similarly, the cooker was no longer something she could cope with and making a hot drink also became a problem as she struggled with judging the amounts of tea, milk and water to use.

Case 2 – Alison

Alison’s family first noticed the first signs of Dementia on a drive. Alison was driving and darkness began to fall. Her husband reminded her to put on her lights, but she couldn’t locate the switch. When her husband suggested she pull over to the side of the road, her response was very slow.

Case 3 – Sean

Sean’s wife began to notice signs of dementia when he began to become more reserved and withdrawn. A previously sociable person, Sean began to avoid social situations. His driving also began to exhibit signs as he started to make wrong turns on familiar journeys on a regular basis. On a family holiday he was very argumentative and began to forget recent conversations he’d had with family members.

Case 4 – Denise

Denise’s husband first began to notice signs of dementia whilst she was still working. Denise began to forget conversations they had had. She also began to repeat questions and, at work, she opted for a less responsible job.  At work, she began to forget to attend pre-arranged meetings and tasks she had been asked to carry out.

At home, as the condition progressed, Denise lost the ability to carry out household tasks that required several steps: so cooking, cleaning clothes and making hot drinks became impossible.

Why It’s Important To Seek A Diagnosis

Although there is no cure for dementia, medications can help relieve the symptoms during the early stages. Getting an early diagnosis is therefore very important. Initial symptoms of dementia often include memory issues, repetitiveness during conversations and some confusion and disorientation. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, please visit your GP as soon as possible.

Social & Support Links

Here at Bluebird, we are involved with Calderdale Dementia Friendly Community (CDFC) an organisation that wants to support groups and organisations to help make Calderdale a dementia-friendly borough. Find out more about them on their website calderdaledementiafriendlycommunity.co.uk/

You can find local memory cafés (also known as a dementia café), on the Alzheimer's Society website – meet other people with dementia and their carers in an informal drop-in setting to share advice, tips and support

Song: Try the Singing for the Brain groups run by the Alzheimer’s Society – singing is known to improve mood and wellbeing and is also great fun

The Alzheimer's Society offers support near you and Age UK offers social activities for what's available in your area.

Home Care

If you need more support, following your dementia diagnosis, home care can help. Living in your own home is the preferred option of many people with dementia and has obvious benefits in helping you to maintain a familiar environment and day-to-day routine. At Bluebird, we offer a full range of home care, from occasional visits, through to live-in care and respite care. Find out more on our website: /www.bluebirdcare.co.uk