Early Signs of Dementia & Alzheimer's Disease
Dementia Symptoms, Causes and Support
Published: 07/11/2023
Dementia & Alzheimer's
Dementia symptoms can vary from person to person. Initially, it may not be obvious that a person has dementia or Alzheimer's and symptoms may be mild and may go unnoticed. It can be tricky to tell the difference between dementia and the natural decline in memory as we get older.
At Right at Home Leeds North, Otley and Horsforth we want to share our expert knowledge to help you understand the early signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
However, if you are worried, please always speak with your GP as soon as possible.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is not a disease or a condition. It is a broad umbrella term, used to describe the group of symptoms that occur when the brain is damaged by specific diseases or conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms will vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. Dementia is progressive, meaning the symptoms will get worse slowly, typically over several years.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia?
Signs of dementia include a gradual loss of memory, asking questions repeatedly or difficulty in making decisions, thinking and problem solving. Other symptoms of dementia include a decline in communication, becoming more anxious and withdrawn and confusion in unfamiliar settings. Tasks that involve planning and organisation may become more difficult and issues with sleep and restlessness at night may occur. Recognising people’s faces or objects, handling money or understanding numbers and finding the right words can also become a problem.
How Common is Dementia?
Research has shown that dementia affects almost 1 million people in the UK. Most people affected by dementia are female and over the age of 65 years old. As we age our chances of developing dementia increases, from 1 or 2 in every 100 people aged 65-69, to 1 in every 5 people, over 85. In fact, someone develops dementia every 3 minutes.
Here in Leeds, there are an estimated 8,700 people living with dementia. Since there are around 9,500 streets in Leeds, then you are highly likely to have someone with dementia living on your road.
What are the Different Types of Dementia?
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s, followed by Vascular dementia, then lewy body and frontotemporal dementia. In total there are more than 100 different diseases that lead to dementia.
Symptoms of Early Dementia
Every person’s experience of dementia is unique to them, and their experience will be shaped by various factors including how their brain is affected, the type of dementia and the speed of progression. Below is a summary of just some of the signs of early dementia, however the list is not exhaustive, and individuals may not experience all of these symptoms at once. For more guidance and information on the early signs and symptoms of dementia, please visit the Alzheimer’s Society website.
Memory Loss in Dementia
Memory loss is one of the most common signs of early dementia. This may include lapses in memory, difficulty finding the right words for everyday objects, forgetting recent events, and becoming repetitive. The individual may substitute incorrect words in to sentences and these may become disjointed or confused. Memory loss varies from person to person and will depend on several factors.
Dementia and Difficulty with Familiar Tasks
Early signs of dementia could include struggling to carry out daily tasks and planning for an event, which would previously have been straightforward for the individual. Common examples of this might include preparing dinner, making a cup of tea, laying the table, shopping in the supermarket, or taking the bus.
Mood Changes in Dementia
A person’s behaviour, personality and mood may change when they have dementia. This could be sudden and could appear to be for no apparent reason. An individual may become depressed, withdrawn, anxious, unmotivated, confused, fearful or suspicious. They may become tearful or may appear not to care about those around them. If you would like to read more about sensory sensitivity and anxiety around bonfire night, then please read our blog on How Fireworks Can Affect Someone Living With Dementia and Alzheimer's.
Dementia and Decreased Judgement and Thinking Skills
People with dementia may find it difficult to make decisions. They may find it tricky to follow the thread of a conversation or may become confused when asked a series of questions or given several choices. Likewise, they may struggle to think things through and solve problems or understand instructions. Issues may arise from losing track of time or the date. Poor judgement can also arise resulting in them not wearing the appropriate clothes, for example, on a winter’s day.
Are you Worried Someone has Dementia?
Early diagnosis is very important, in some cases, the progress of dementia can be slowed down. We understand that it can be overwhelming to see a GP about memory, and this can sometimes put people off. However, early diagnosis means that someone can get the help, treatments and support needed and have time to plan for their future. If in doubt, even if someone you care about is showing just one of the symptoms, you should encourage them to see the GP.
North Leeds Groups for People Living with Dementia, Alzheimer's and Memory Loss
Right at Home Leeds North, Otley and Horsforth are involved with and volunteer at a range of groups specifically for individuals with dementia including Alzheimer’s. If you are interested in finding out more about these then please do call our office on 0113 340 6000 and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, you can contact AVSED in Rawdon, MHA Horsforth or OPAL (who cover Adel, Bramhope and Cookridge and the rest of LS16) directly, to check out their latest groups and their availability. If you live further away near Guiseley, then the Guiseley Memory Café on a Friday is fabulous and lots of fun – please contact them directly to join their waiting list.
National charities which offer advice to those caring for loved ones with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease include The Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline (0800 888 6678) who offer practical advice before or after a diagnosis. Our partnered charity The Alzheimer’s Society , Dementia UK and the NHS.You can also find out more information about the Dementia Friends initiative here.
A warm welcome awaits you
....Finally, please do not hesitate to call into our friendly office at the junction of Broadgate Lane and Low Lane in Horsforth, LS18, to chat further or to simply pick up one of our many information booklets on dementia and Alzheimer’s. We look forward to meeting you and making you feel very welcome.
To stay up to date with all of our activities in the local community of North Leeds, follow our Facebook page here.
Get in touch with Right at Home Leeds North, Otley & Horsforth to discuss your care needs further.
