Early Symptoms of Dementia You Should Never Ignore!

Understanding the Early Signs and Symptoms of Dementia:

Increased awareness about dementia, fostered by campaigns such as Dementia Action Week and Dementia Friends, has led to more people recognising the signs of dementia and understanding its onset. However, this knowledge often brings anxiety about developing dementia ourselves or noticing symptoms in loved ones.

Accurate information on the early signs of dementia is crucial. It helps individuals and families prepare for what they might be experiencing. Since the symptoms of dementia can mimic other conditions like depression and delirium, a formal diagnosis is essential.

Do All People Experience Dementia in the Same Way?

Dementia is an umbrella term for over 100 different types. Below, we outline four common types and their symptoms. Remember, about 10% of people have mixed dementia, often a combination of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, leading to a blend of symptoms.

No two people will experience dementia in exactly the same way, so consider the following as a guide.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease often starts with memory problems, such as forgetting recent events or conversations and struggling to recall names of places or people. Other signs include:

• Difficulty learning new things.

• Misplacing items, getting lost in familiar places, or not recognising landmarks.

• Trouble managing a diary or losing track of the day or date.

• Repeating oneself or struggling to concentrate.

• Problems with visuospatial skills, like navigating stairs or judging distances.

• Difficulty sequencing tasks like cooking or making a drink.

• Changes in mood, becoming depressed, anxious, or easily upset, and losing interest in previously enjoyed activities.

Early Signs of Vascular Dementia

Memory loss is usually less common in the early stages of vascular dementia, but some symptoms are similar to other types of dementia. The person may:

• Have problems with organisation, decision-making, or problem-solving, and generally have slower thought processes.

• Experience difficulties concentrating and be more confused at some times than others.

• Struggle with language and contribute less to conversations.

• Have problems with mood or become more emotional. Depression is common if the person has some insight into the changes they are experiencing.

• Have some symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, like problems sequencing tasks and visuospatial issues.

• Due to links between vascular dementia and strokes, the person may have physical symptoms from a stroke, like paralysis.

For more detailed information, visit the Alzheimer’s Society.

Early Signs of Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

There are links between dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease, and an individual with DLB is likely to have some symptoms of all three conditions. The person may:

• Have visual hallucinations, which can be distressing.

• Experience sleep disturbances, including increased daytime napping and disturbed night-time sleep.

• Have problems with movement, similar to those experienced by people with Parkinson’s, making the person more at risk of falls.

• Have a reduced attention span which can fluctuate during the day.

• Experience problems with visuospatial issues, similar to Alzheimer’s.

• Struggle with organising, planning, and making decisions.

• Experience mood changes and depression.

• Have some memory loss, but usually not as pronounced as in early Alzheimer’s.

Early Signs of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

People with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) commonly experience changes in personality, behaviour, and language – memory is less affected. There are different types of FTD depending on which areas of the frontal or temporal lobes are affected. Each type has specific symptoms, which are helpfully broken down into sections by the Alzheimer’s Society.

What to Do If You Think You or Someone You Love Is Showing Symptoms of Dementia

If you believe you or someone you know is showing some of the signs and symptoms of a type of dementia, it’s important that you speak to a GP. A GP can conduct some simple tests, like a basic memory assessment and blood tests. They can also make a referral for a scan and/or a Memory Clinic appointment or other appointment with a specialist, to investigate further and provide the answers you and your family need.

Finding out what is causing any symptoms you are concerned about will help the person with these symptoms to live as well as possible and enable better planning for the future.

Our live-in dementia care and support can help a person retain independence, choice, and control in the comfort of their own home with the professional assistance they need.

Find out more about how ENA Care Group could support you or your family by contacting us today.