Early Signs of Dementia  

We often blame memory loss on getting on old and think nothing of it. We even sometimes refer to it light heartedly as a ‘senior moment’. In the early stages of dementia, a person’s symptoms can be relatively mild and can often go unnoticed, but when does memory loss become a concern? What exactly is dementia? Is dementia the same as Alzheimer’s? And what should we do if we suspect our loved one might be developing dementia?  

At Right at Home Havant & Petersfield we want to offer our expert knowledge to help you identify the early signs and symptoms of dementia.  

What is Dementia? 

There are several different types of dementia. Dementia is the term used to describe a group of symptoms that result from damage to the brain caused by different diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and the reason that it is often confused with the generic term of dementia. 

Early Signs and Symptoms of Dementia   

Early symptoms of dementia can vary from person to person and depend on the part of the brain which is damaged. Some common early symptoms include: 

• memory loss 
• difficulty concentrating 
• finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks 
• mood changes 

• being confused about time and place 
• challenges in planning or problem-solving 
• decreased or poor judgement. 

As time goes on, you may start to notice other symptoms such as: 

• more frequent memory problems 
• becoming confused in unfamiliar settings 
• asking questions repetitively 
• difficulty finding the right words 
• difficulty with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning 

• becoming more withdrawn and anxious 
• difficulty with numbers and/or handling change in shops. 

Memory loss   

Memory loss is one of the most common early signs of dementia. It varies from person to person, especially in the early stages of dementia, and can be quite gradual in terms of development. For people suffering from dementia, memory loss can be very frustrating and affect their ability to carry out daily tasks such as preparing a meal, taking public transport or going to the shops. 

Mood changes 

Mood changes can be sudden and can occur for no apparent reason. In the early stages of dementia, a person may also become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious.  

Decreased or poor judgement  

Another common early symptom of dementia is poor judgement which can result in a person having difficulty making the appropriate decisions for things such as knowing what clothes to wear in cold weather.  

Are you worried someone has dementia? 

If someone you know is displaying any of the symptoms above, you should encourage them to see their GP.  

Further support 

Other online resources are available and can offer valuable guidance and support if you or a loved one has dementia. They include Dementia UK and the NHS website.  

How can we help at Right at Home?  

At Right at Home Havant & Petersfield each member of our team is trained as a Dementia Friend by our Dementia Champion, Duncan Cameron, Owner & Director. Our specialist team of CareGivers can support your loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own home whilst receiving the highest quality care. You can find out more information about the Dementia Friends initiative here.  

In addition to supporting those with dementia to stay living in their own home, we also run dementia friendly community support groups in the local area such as Inclusive Cricket and our Dementia Friendly Coffee Morning. For more information on these groups and our services please contact a member of our friendly office team on 02393 878777. Our offices are open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week and we look forward to speaking with you.