The Early Signs of Dementia

Early signs of Dementia

In the early stages of Dementia, a person’s symptoms can be relatively mild and can often go unnoticed. Problems with memory, language, perception and speed of thought are common symptoms of early stage Dementia. Dementia symptoms vary from person to person. Right at Home Loughton have teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Society to spread awareness about the illness and how to spot the early signs.

There are several different types of Dementia. We have complied a list of the most common types of Dementia below, with helpful links that will explain things further. Depending on the type of Dementia, symptoms may vary.

• Alzheimer’s disease - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/alzheimers-disease
• Vascular Dementia -  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/vascular-dementia
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies
• Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/frontotemporal-dementia
• Mixed Dementia - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/what-is-mixed-dementia

There are many other diseases and conditions that can lead to Dementia, we have attached an overview to provide you a better understanding of some of these illnesses and their symptoms - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/rarer-types-dementia

At Right at Home Loughton, we want to offer our expert knowledge to help you identify the early signs and symptoms of Dementia.

What is 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.

Symptoms of Dementia can vary depending on the part of the brain, which is damaged, memory loss communication, aggressive behaviour, and walking about are all common symptoms. If you’d like support in understanding the symptoms of Dementia feel free to call the Right at Home Loughton Office and a member of our team will be happy to talk you through it.

The most common type of Dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, this means that gradually, over time, more parts of the brain are damaged. As this happens, more symptoms develop and intensify. At Right at Home Loughton our care team are trained to help manage the change in health circumstances and work with families to support people battling this awful illness.

Some of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are 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.

Symptoms of early Dementia 

Early symptoms can vary from person to person, common early symptoms are 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.

For more extensive information and guidance on the early signs and symptoms of Dementia, you can visit the Alzheimer’s Society website https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia

Memory loss 

Memory loss is one of the most common early signs of Dementia, which can be distressing for both the person with the condition and for the people around them. Memory loss varies from person to person, especially in the early stages of Dementia, and can be quite gradual in terms of development. It is usually as a result of damage to the part of the brain involved in creating and retrieving memories. For a person with Dementia, memory problems will become more persistent and will begin to affect everyday life. However, there are ways to help a person with dementia manage their memory problems and stay independent for longer.  

The Memory Handbook is for people with mild memory problems. It should give you some ideas and the practical strategies to help with living well. Click on the link below to get your free copy.

The Memory Handbook - https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-and-factsheets/memory-handbook

Difficulty carrying out familiar tasks

A person with Dementia may struggle to carry out familiar daily tasks, this can include 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.
• Poor judgement 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 we have discussed, even if it is just one, you should encourage them to see a GP.

You can find more information, advice, and support on the Alzheimer’s Society website here.

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

There is currently no cure for Dementia, however, if Dementia is found early, its progress can be slowed down, using drugs and non-drug treatments, allowing the person to maintain their mental function for longer. Follow the link below to find out more about the different types of treatments that are available.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/treatments

How can we help?

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. For many people suffering with Dementia remaining at home in familiar surroundings is a priority. Did you know we support our clients with a range of services, from personal care and companionship to shopping and housework – this enables them to remain at home in a safe and structured environment.

At Right at Home Loughton we are proud Dementia Friends. We have been working with the Alzheimer’s Society for several years to support our community and to improve our understanding of Dementia. You can find out more information about the Dementia Friends initiative here.

For more information about our homecare services please contact a member of our friendly office team on 0203 763 6074.