Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.
And, contrary to popular belief, dementia is not a normal part of getting older. Even though it is more common for older people.
Spotting the early signs of dementia can make a big difference, helping families seek support sooner and plan for the future with confidence. Here are some of the earliest warning signs to look out for.
When memory loss becomes more than forgetfulness
Everyone forgets a name or misplaces the TV remote now and then.
One of the earliest signs of dementia, however, is memory loss that begins interfering with daily life. When someone is:
- Repeatedly asking the same questions
- Relying heavily on reminders
- Forgetting recently learned information
- Not remembering to take medicine
It should be treated seriously.
It’s not just old age: Occasionally forgetting something and remembering it later is perfectly normal, and we curse anyone who tells you otherwise. Memory changes that affect one’s independence, however, deserve a larger conversation.
When problem-solving becomes problematic
Mind you, following a recipe and managing a household budget have never been easy jobs. But someone displaying an early sign of dementia may suddenly find things like this much harder than before.
That’s because dementia can affect one’s ability to concentrate, making it much more difficult to complete tasks involving numbers or planning.
This is typically when poor financial decisions or a lack of safety awareness can slip through the cracks. And usually, family members will notice these shifts long before the individual does.
It’s not just old age: God forbid a person needs a little time to work something out. Regularly struggling with planning or problem-solving that once came naturally, however, is one of the most recognised dementia early warning signs.
When confusion about time or place becomes more frequent
People living with dementia may lose track of dates or the passage of time, or become unsure of where they are or how they arrived there.
They might forget what season it is, believe they’re living in a different period of their life or become confused in places that have always been familiar to them. They also may struggle to understand events that aren’t happening immediately, making it difficult to follow conversations or plan ahead.
It’s not just old age: Yes, we’ve all walked into a room and immediately forgotten why, before. But becoming regularly disoriented or lost is quite different from a case of fleeting forgetfulness.
When visual and spatial awareness start to change
Changes in vision can have a lot to do with eyesight. Go figure.
But dementia can also affect how the brain interprets visual information, making it harder to judge distances, recognise contrasts or understand where objects are in relation to one another.
So you can imagine how this then makes everyday activities like pouring a cup of tea, using the stairs, parking the car or reaching for an object unexpectedly difficult – and therefore, completely annoying.
It’s not just old age: Needing stronger reading glasses is one thing. Suddenly having trouble interpreting visual information is another, and it should be checked by a doctor.
When the words keep slipping away
Someone living with dementia may stop mid-sentence because they’ve forgotten a word, repeat themselves often or substitute unusual words for familiar objects.
So, naturally, they might struggle to explain what they mean.
Over time, speaking and writing can become noticeably more challenging, making everyday communication feel frustrating for both them and the people around them.
It’s not just old age: As we get older, we may need a little longer to gather our thoughts. That’s normal. But dementia is different. Word-finding difficulties will become more frequent, conversations will become harder to follow or contribute to, and communication will start affecting everyday life.
When everything seems to have gone walkabout
If we could add together all the minutes we’ve ever spent looking for the car keys, we’d be horrified.
But with dementia, people may begin placing everyday items in unusual locations. The kettle’s in the laundry. The wallet’s in the fridge. The TV remote’s in the bathroom.
They may be unable to retrace their steps to work out where they left something, or even become convinced that someone else has moved or stolen it. As these moments become more frequent, they can make day-to-day life increasingly confusing.
It’s not just old age: Misplacing something is maddening but common. Regularly putting items in unusual places and being unable to work backwards to find them may signal something deeper.
When favourite people and pastimes are left behind
People with dementia may begin to step away from the activities they used to enjoy. Even a standing Sunday brunch with the girls may not be immune.
This is because they might find it harder to follow conversations and, as a result, lose confidence in social settings. Or because they feel overwhelmed by hobbies that once came naturally to them. As a result, they may start declining invitations or spending more time alone, even though they still value the people and activities around them.
It’s not just old age: It’s perfectly normal to chase a quieter pace of life as we get older. Consistently withdrawing from hobbies or social activities because they feel consuming or overwhelming may be an early sign of dementia.
When someone’s personality seems to change before your eyes
Some people living with dementia may seem noticeably different to how they’ve always been. They might become more anxious, irritable, suspicious or withdrawn.
These changes can develop gradually and are often linked to the confusion and uncertainty that dementia can bring, rather than a conscious change in who the person is.
It’s not just old age: Our personalities naturally evolve over time, but significant or sudden changes in behaviour or temperament aren’t simply part of getting older.
What you can do if you notice these early warning signs
If you’re noticing some changes in a loved one, don’t jump to conclusions – but don’t ignore them, either.
Many conditions can cause similar symptoms, and many are treatable.
The first step is to book an appointment with a GP who can assess the symptoms and arrange further investigation if necessary.
An early diagnosis can open the door to treatment and planning, helping everyone feel more prepared and supported for whatever comes next.
Do you need some help caring for someone living with dementia? Get in touch with Acquaint. We’d be delighted to lend a hand.
