Early Signs of Dementia

First Early signs of Dementia

Are you concerned about you or your loved one developing dementia?

Dementia is not a disease. Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that present themselves when brain cells stop working properly.

In the early stages of Dementia, symptoms can be relatively mild and may go unnoticed or may be confused with other conditions.

There are several different types of Dementia, and the symptoms vary from person to person.

At Right at Home Reigate and Crawley, we want to offer our expert knowledge to help you support living at home with dementia and delay the symptoms where possible.  

What is Dementia and its symptoms?

Dementia is the term used to describe a group of symptoms that result from damage to the brain. Symptoms can vary depending on the part of the brain and the extent of the damage.

The most common type of Dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are memory problems, becoming confused in unfamiliar settings, asking questions repetitively, forgetting meetings or recent significant events, difficulty finding the right words or forgetting the question while speaking, difficulty with simple tasks and activities that require organisation and planning e.g. making tea or taking medication, becoming more withdrawn and anxious, difficulty with numbers or handling money, mood changes, being confused about time and place and decreased or poor judgement.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 here.

Memory loss 

Memory loss is one of the most common early signs of Dementia. Memory loss 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 also affect their ability to carry out daily tasks.

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.

In some cases, if Dementia is found early, its progress can be slowed down, allowing the person to maintain their mental function for longer.

How can we help?

Our specialist team of CareGivers can support your loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes while receiving the highest quality care. At Right at Home Reigate and Crawley we are proud supporters of managing and delaying dementia. The majority of our elderly and vulnerable clients present with mild to moderate symptoms of dementia- patience, dedication, and knowledge of our tactful team supports our clients to build trust and enjoy the visit of our caregivers.

For more information about our homecare services, please get in touch with a member of our friendly Right at Home Reigate and Crawley office team at 01737 906012