Share
[easy-total-shares url="https://www.agespace.org/dementia/early-signs-of-dementia" fullnumber="yes" align="left" networks="facebook,twitter"]
Home Dementia 10 early signs of dementia and how to spot them

10 early signs of dementia and how to spot them

Spotting the early signs of Dementia can make all the difference as if it is diagnosed early, there is a chance that medication will slow down the diseases that cause the damage to the brain.

Weโ€™ve put together a handy list of the first signs of dementia for you to look out for and some specific symptoms you can monitor.

Peaceful lake image for Early signs of dementia

10 First Signs of Dementia and Common Symptoms

Signs of Dementia / Alzheimer’s
Typical age-related changes
Poor judgement and decision-making
Making a bad decision once in a while
Inability to manage a budget
Missing a monthly payment
Losing track of the date or the season
Forgetting what day it is and remembering later
Difficulty having a conversation
Sometimes forgetting which word to use
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
Losing things from time to time

As dementia is a progressive neurological disorder, there are many dementia symptoms stages. The changes are gradual, and this may give your parent time to receive an early diagnosis and to slow down or prevent the progression.

Highlighting dementia

Fortunately, early signs of dementia can be spotted before the symptoms make a big impact on day-to-day living and overall quality of life. ย For more information on the various stages of dementia, download our free guide, Taking the Fear Out of Dementia.

Sometimes dementia diagnosis can be difficult as there is no one simple test to carry out and early symptoms can be similar to the age-related changes listed above.ย ย Here are 10 early signs of Dementia to look out for.

Early Signs of Dementia Checklistย 

1. Recent memory loss

Recent memory loss is one of the most common early signs of dementia.ย  It involves forgetting recently learned information, or forgetting appointments, names and telephone numbers โ€“ and not remembering them later.

Dementia Friendly Dorset

The most recognisable dementia memory loss symptoms includes asking for the same information over and over and the repetition of stories. This is common occurrence for both vascular dementia symptoms and Alzheimer symptoms.

Memory loss can also cause a great deal of frustration for the individual which can also lead to signs of dementia anger.

This is different to: more typical age-related memory loss where someone occasionally forgets names or appointments, but recalls this information later.

2. Forgetting how to do everyday tasks

Your parent may start to find it hard to complete daily tasks, these might include the setting of a table, driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules of their favourite game.

Forgetting how to do everyday tasks or memory loss can be spotted in-person or by completing a Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam (SAGE); an early signs of dementia test which can be taken online.

However, this shouldnโ€™t be used as an official diagnostic tool; you should always seek the advice of a GP. Other examples of forgetting how to do simple everyday tasks can include:

coffee 1974841 1280

Your parent may start to find it difficult to complete tasks they used to be able to do with ease. For example, if they used to be a fantastic baker, they may now find it hard to bake the sponge cake theyโ€™ve made over and over again.

This is different to: more typical age-related forgetfulness such as needing help to record a tv programme or how to use the settings on a microwave oven.

3. Problems with language

One of the most common symptoms NHS GPs report is problems with communication and language. ย This may include struggling to follow or join a conversation; it can also include stopping in mid-sentence with no idea how to continue.

Other early signs of dementia include forgetting vocabulary, and the meaning of simple words or using them in the wrong context.ย ย For example, a person may say โ€œput the rubbish in the sinkโ€ instead of โ€œput the rubbish in the bin.โ€ ย Or they may call their partner by a generic term such as โ€œthat manโ€ or โ€œthat lady.โ€

Stormy Clouds

For this particular sign of dementia NHS staff will usually administer a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). ย Although this isnโ€™t a direct dementia symptoms test, it is able to measure language and communication skills, ability to understand instructions, attention span and more.

This is different to: sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

4. Becoming confused in familiar surroundings

Your parent may forget where they are and how they got there.ย  Along with losing track of dates, seasons and the time this is one of the most tell-tale early onset dementia symptoms.

They may also struggle to understand something if itโ€™s not happening immediately. This is because the mind of someone with dementia is mostly situated in the present and they find it difficult to comprehend the passage of time.

For example, your mum may tell you sheโ€™s missed you because she thinks she hasnโ€™t seen you in a long time, but in reality you visited her last week. ย Another example includes time passing very slowly in a general sense: ten minutes might seem like an hour, an hour might seem like a day and so on.

early signs of dementia - lighthouse image

This is different to: getting confused about the day of the week but working it out later.

5. Difficulty in calculating numbers and handling money or balancing the cheque book

Consistent financial problems and money struggles are high on the early signs of dementia checklist. These dementia symptoms include changes in an ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. ย This could include:

If youโ€™re concerned about your parentโ€™s ability to handle their finances, read our guide on Setting up Power of Attorney for someone with Dementia.ย ย 

This is different to: common age-related issues such as missing a couple of debt repayments due to low income, making occasional errors with number calculations.

Live-in Care with dementia

Using our live-in care finder allows you to find and enquire with multiple live-in care enquiries without filling out the lengthy enquiry forms – or you can save your results for later!

6. Putting things in the wrong place

Signs - early signs of dementiaLosing things or putting things in strange places, and then being unable to retrace steps to find them again is on the official observation list for early signs of dementia.

Sometimes someone else might be accused of stealing which may occur more frequently over time. ย For example, your dad may insist that a friend keeps stealing his money, whereas itโ€™s in its regular hiding place.

Other examples that may indicate potential dementia symptoms could include:

Misplacing or losing items is more common in Alzheimerโ€™s Disease, rather than vascular dementia.ย  You can find out more about vascular dementia here and Alzheimer’s disease.ย 

This is different to: more normal age-related behaviours such as losing things but being able to retrace the steps to find them.

7. Rapid and unexplained mood swings and/or depression

Mood and personality changes can be associated with the early signs of dementia. This could include becoming confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious, and your parent may find themselves getting easily upset in places they feel unsure about.ย ย 

Some of the dementia symptoms NHS lists include:

For example, your parent may appear calm, then visibly upset, and then very angry in a matter of minutes. ย This is a significant sign of dementia anger and frustration – specifically if itโ€™s unprovoked.

Other physical signs include pacing, obsessing over minor details, agitation, fear, confusion, rage and feeling overwhelmed because theyโ€™re trying to make sense of a world thatโ€™s now confusing to them.

This is different to: more typical age-related behaviours such as becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

8. Listlessness and apathy

Depression can be one of the very first early signs of dementia and a specific symptom of vascular dementia.ย 

help in sand

Early signs of dementia can include the avoidance of being sociable, stopping with hobbies, going to work or playing sport. The signs of the early stages of dementia can include the avoidance of being sociable, stopping with hobbies, going to work or playing sport. ย This could be because your parent feels disconnected from the current world or they feel like theyโ€™re unable to take part in regular social interaction.

Your parent may also feel ashamed about the changes theyโ€™re going through – so they may show signs of reclusive behaviour.

For more help with depression for yourself or a loved one, please read our mental health guide.

This is different to: feeling weary of work, family or social activities – which is a more generally age-related norm.

9. Decreased or poor judgement

Changes in decision-making or judgement might include dealing with money or paying less attention to keeping clean and groomed. ย This can be one of the more obvious parts of your observation list for early signs of dementia.

Look out for signs that your parent might not be looking after themselves the way they used to.ย  They may forget to wash regularly, wear the same clothes continuously throughout the week, forget to brush their teeth, forget to brush their hair, shave or to visit the toilet.

Itโ€™s vital to make sure your parent is keeping up with any regular appointments they may have. Make sure theyโ€™re keeping up with their health and hygiene routines with our guide to Keeping Healthy.

This is different to: making a bad decision once in a while.

10. Visual Difficulties

Knitted patternSigns of early onset dementia may include visual difficulties. This includes vision problems such as having difficulty reading, judging distance, lack of spatial awareness loss of perception or determining colours/contrast, which may cause problems driving.

Your parent may find it harder to use a knife and fork to feed themselves or they may lose the ability to use zips and buttons on clothing.

If you suspect your parent may need help with everyday tasks, take a look at our Care Options for People with Dementia article.

This is different to: Vision changes related to cataracts or age-related or diabetic sight changes.

If you believe your parent is showing signs of dementia:

It is a good idea to begin looking in getting a Power of Attorney set up – just in case. Honey Legal, Age Space’s legal experts, can help guide you through the Lasting Power of Attorney Process.

Download a free guide that explains the process step-by-step

Frequently Asked Questions about Dementia Symptoms

My dad seems to be tired all the time lately - how do I know the difference between age-related changes and dementia symptoms?

Sleep disruption is common with regards to both age-related sleep patterns and early onset dementia signs so it can be tricky to work out whatโ€™s going on. But if you look out for accompanying symptoms specific to dementia you may be able to tell the difference. If you suspect it is more than just sleepiness make an appointment with your parentโ€™s GP. For more information on how dementia symptoms can affect sleep please read our article on dementia and sleep.

What do I do if I think my mum or dad has dementia?

The GP should be the first point of call if you suspect your parent is suffering from early onset dementia symptoms. ย If the doctor suspects your parent has dementia they will refer them to a memory clinic or specialist. ย For further details on how to get an official dementia diagnosis please visit our Diagnosing Dementia information page.

How does the dementia diagnosis process work?

After the GP has referred your parent to a specialist, they will undergo a Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). ย This is a written test to measure attention span, short and long-term memory, the ability to plan and the ability to understand instructions. This will not directly diagnose dementia symptoms but is used as a starting point should your parent need additional analysis. ย They will also have a blood test to rule out any other underlying health conditions. If specialists canโ€™t find any other ailments then your parent will be sent for a CT scan to rule out any other conditions. ย This is followed by an MRI scan which can directly diagnose dementia by scanning the brainโ€™s structure.

How are dementia symptoms treated?

Unfortunately, dementia canโ€™t be cured but it can be slowed down significantly, especially if diagnosed earlier on. View our guide on dementia treatment for more details on the drugs currently used and other interventions. ย 

What age does dementia usually start?

Dementia usually starts between the ages of 45-65.ย 

Are the early signs of dementia in women different to men?

Women have a greater risk of developing Dementia mostly because they live longer than men.ย  Women seem to struggle with their memory sooner than men, whilst men have more mobility issues than women.ย  ย Men may also exhibit more noticeable issues with speech and communications as well as mood swings.ย 

What are the physical symptoms of dementia?

Common physical symptoms of Dementia include:

  • memory loss
  • difficulty concentrating
  • finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over theย correct change when shopping
  • struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
  • being confused about time and place
  • mood changes