If someone asked you how to spot the early signs of dementia, what would your answer be? One of the most common answers would indeed be memory loss, which can manifest as forgetting recent events or struggling to remember names and places. However, there are many more symptoms that you might be missing. In this post, I’m going to be sharing some of those symptoms with you so that you know exactly how to spot the early signs of dementia in loved ones.

Why should we be talking more about dementia?

Dementia is the biggest health and social care crisis in the UK currently, impacting not only those diagnosed but also their families who bear the emotional and practical burdens. This condition leads to a profound alteration in daily life, often straining relationships and overwhelming caregivers with stress and uncertainty.

But there is another heart-breaking truth – so many people in the UK right now are living with undiagnosed dementia, simply because the growing number affected versus the stretched healthcare services just aren’t balanced. The lack of awareness and resources means that many individuals remain in limbo, experiencing symptoms without the support or diagnosis they desperately need.

As our society grapples with this escalating issue, it is imperative to address the gaps in healthcare provision, raise awareness, and ensure that early intervention becomes a priority to alleviate the suffering endured by both patients and their loved ones.

This is why it is essential to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of dementia. Doing so will enable you to look for these subtle changes and consult a healthcare professional if you or someone you know exhibits any combination of these signs, as early detection can significantly impact the course of the disease.

What is dementia?

Dementia is the overall term which encompasses a wide range of cognitive impairments, with over 200 recognised subtypes. Some forms of dementia are more prevalent than others, significantly impacting the lives of millions of people around the world.

The top five types include Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common form characterised by memory loss and cognitive decline; Vascular dementia, often resulting from strokes or other blood flow issues to the brain; Lewy Bodies dementia, noted for prominent fluctuations in attention and visual hallucinations; Frontotemporal dementia, which primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes and leads to significant changes in personality and behaviour; and mixed dementia, a combination of multiple types, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. Understanding these variations can significantly aid in early detection and appropriate care strategies.

Dementia is the biggest killer in the UK

Sadly, there are currently over 850,000 people diagnosed with some form of dementia in the UK alone. It’s a disease that doesn’t discriminate, and whilst it can affect you at any age, it’s more common in those over 65. Many people believe that dementia sufferers must live in a care home due to the challenges associated with the condition, such as memory loss and the inability to perform daily tasks. However, what if there was a way that they could live safely in their own home, surrounded by familiar comforts and loved ones?

Innovative solutions are emerging, allowing for personalised care that can adapt to the unique needs of each individual. Companies like Care For Family offer dedicated supportive care to help facilitate this possibility, providing services such as in-home support, companionship, and specialised therapies, which can significantly enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia. By embracing these alternatives, we can not only provide much-needed assistance but also empower individuals to maintain their independence while receiving the care they require.

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Dementia doesn’t discriminate

One notable person who suffered from dementia was the late Barbara Windsor. Despite suffering with the disease herself, she campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and much-needed funds for dementia research, using her platform as a beloved actress to reach a wide audience. She spoke candidly about her struggles, which not only shed light on the challenges faced by those living with dementia but also encouraged others to share their experiences.

Barbara’s commitment to the cause inspired many, leading to increased public interest and engagement in dementia-related initiatives. Her legacy continues to motivate advocates, researchers, and families affected by the disease, highlighting the importance of ongoing support and funding for vital research that aims to improve the lives of those impacted by dementia.

With people now living longer, dementia is on the rise. It’s estimated that by 2025, over one million people will be living with some form of dementia. This is a terrifying thought so please familiarise yourself with some of the early symptoms.

What are the common early signs?

Despite there being so many different forms of dementia, there are some common early signs shown throughout the majority of types. It’s important that you know them so that you can spot the signs in loved ones or even yourself. Whilst there is currently no cure for dementia, spotting these signs and getting a confirmed diagnosis can be so beneficial. There is a great support system out there that will help guide you through each of the stages of dementia.

I wrote a guest post for Kayleigh Zara earlier in the year all about how to cope with grieving for someone twice. In that post I go into a lot more depth about the different stages of dementia, so please give that a read too.

Someone with the early signs of dementia may have difficulty with the following:

• Memory loss
• Mental sharpness and quickness
• Judgement
• They may struggle with speaking, may use words incorrectly or might have difficulty in understanding things you say
• Suffer from mood swings
• Lack of concentration
• Find it difficult to do certain movements
• Find it difficult to do daily activities
• Suffer from hallucinations
• Find social situations more difficult
• Loose interest in doing their usual activities

You may also notice that they are asking the same questions repeatedly or are perhaps forgetting people’s names.

Why is it important to know these signs?

It is important to get help if you spot any of these signs, as early intervention can make a significant difference in managing the condition. Recognising the symptoms early on is crucial because, while there is currently no cure, an early diagnosis can slow down the disease’s progression significantly. This proactive approach can mean that you live a more normal life for longer periods, allowing you to engage in daily activities and maintain your relationships without overwhelming challenges.

Furthermore, by seeking help, you can access a range of support services, resources, and therapies that can enhance your quality of life, providing you with the assistance you may need to navigate the complexities of living with this condition effectively.

Finding support

I have been on this dementia journey with my nan for over five years. In that time, I’ve had highs and lows but have found so much support too. It’s part of the reason why I want to raise more awareness and donations. If you or a loved one have had a diagnosis, whether in the early or later stages, please know that there is support out there for you.

There are some amazing Facebook groups that support dementia sufferers and their families, providing a welcoming and encouraging environment. It’s a space where you can ask questions, no matter how silly they might feel, because everyone there understands the challenges you’re facing. Members share their experiences, offer advice, and create a network of support that can feel incredibly comforting during difficult times.

I also want you to know that I am always here for you. Feel free to ask questions below, or contact me on social media, as I believe that open communication can make a significant difference. I’d like to help you as much as I can, even if you just need a listening and understanding ear. Remember, you are not alone in this journey; together, we can navigate the various emotions and obstacles that come with caring for a loved one with dementia.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have found this post helpful in some way and now know how to spot the early signs of dementia. If you take one thing away from this post, I hope it is that it can happen to any of us, regardless of our age, backgrounds or experiences.

Awareness is crucial, and it can lead to key interventions when needed. I would urge you to share this post with your followers, friends, and family, as spreading this knowledge can create a ripple effect of understanding in our communities. The more people that know about these early signs, the more lives we can improve, as we can foster environments where individuals feel supported and empowered to seek help when they need it most.

Together, we can build a strong network dedicated to sharing information and encouraging open discussions about these important topics.

These links can provide you more help and support:

NHS Dementia Guide

Alzheimer’s Society

Dementia UK

Alzheimer’s Research UK

Age UK