Early Signs of Dementia

Dementia is not a specific condition but rather an umbrella term describing a collection of symptoms associated with a decline in memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities. While often associated with ageing, living with dementia can affect individuals at any age, though it becomes more common as we grow older. Recognising the early symptoms of dementia can help in seeking timely support and making necessary adjustments to maintain quality of life for both the person living with dementia and their loved ones. This article covers the common early signs of dementia, when to seek medical advice, and how appropriate support can help maintain quality of life for those living with the condition.

What are the common early signs of dementia?

The early stage of living with dementia varies significantly between individuals. During this time, several common symptoms may begin to emerge:

Memory problems

An early indicator of living with Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. This goes beyond occasionally forgetting where you've placed your keys. Someone experiencing early-stage dementia might:

Forget recent conversations or events while remembering things from long ago
Repeatedly misplace everyday items around the home
Ask the same questions multiple times
Struggle to remember names of familiar people or objects

Although these memory issues are particularly common in Alzheimer's, they appear less frequently in the early stages of living with frontotemporal dementia.

Could it be difficulties with thinking and planning?

As dementia develops, cognitive processes become more difficult. A person may find it increasingly difficult to:

Make decisions that once came easily, particularly complex ones involving finances
Follow a sequence of steps, such as following a recipe
Concentrate on tasks for extended periods
Solve everyday problems that arise
Understand abstract concepts

These difficulties can be frustrating both for the individual experiencing them and for those around them, often leading to increased anxiety or withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities.

How does living with dementia affect communication?

Communication difficulties are another common early sign of living with dementia. Someone might:

Struggle to find the right word during conversations
Use unusual word substitutions or describe objects rather than naming them
Find it difficult to follow conversations, particularly in noisy environments
Take longer to process what others are saying
Experience reduced fluency in speech

These communication difficulties can be particularly pronounced in specific types of frontotemporal dementia, which affect language centres in the brain.

What about disorientation and visual perception?

Many people living with early-stage dementia experience:

Confusion about their current location, even in familiar places
Difficulty judging distances, which may affect driving or using stairs
Problems distinguishing between colours or identifying objects
Challenges with depth perception, increasing the risk of falls
Confusion about time, forgetting the date or season

Visual-perceptual difficulties are particularly common in Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, while disorientation can occur across most types of dementia.

How might mood and emotions change?

Emotional changes are often overlooked but can be significant early indicators of living with dementia:

Increased anxiety or agitation, especially in unfamiliar situations
Unexplained fearfulness or suspicion
Apathy or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Mood swings or irritability
Withdrawal from social interactions
Depression or flat emotional responses

These emotional changes can sometimes be mistakenly attributed to other conditions, but they often represent the brain's changing ability to process emotional information and responses.

Is there treatment available for living with dementia?

While there is currently no cure for living with dementia, various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression, particularly for Alzheimer's disease. Medications, cognitive therapies, and lifestyle modifications can significantly improve quality of life. Early diagnosis allows for more effective intervention and gives individuals time to plan for the future.

Can someone with dementia still lead a fulfilling life?

Absolutely. Despite the difficulties, many people living with dementia continue to lead active, meaningful lives for years after diagnosis. Research consistently shows that engagement in social, intellectual, and creative activities can have profound positive effects on wellbeing. Simple adjustments to routines and environments can help maintain independence longer, while social connections provide vital emotional support. At KYN, we understand that each person's journey with dementia is unique. Our approach centres on preserving individuality and supporting continued engagement in life's pleasures, whether that's enjoying favourite music, participating in gentle exercise, or simply spending time in nature.

When should you speak to a doctor?

It's important to remember that memory problems and cognitive changes can have many causes, including stress, certain medications, depression, anxiety, or hormonal changes during menopause. If you notice persistent changes in yourself or someone close to you, consulting with a GP is advisable. They can rule out treatable conditions and, if necessary, refer to specialists for comprehensive assessment.

Where can you find support?

Living with dementia becomes significantly easier with proper support. These organisations offer valuable resources:

Alzheimer's Society - Provides information, support services and funds research for all types of dementia
Dementia UK - Offers specialist dementia support through Admiral Nurses
The Lewy Body Society - Focuses specifically on dementia with Lewy bodies
Rare Dementia Support - Specialises in less common forms of dementia

Experience Exceptional Dementia Care at KYN

At KYN, our approach to dementia care and Alzheimer’s care goes beyond simply managing symptoms. We create environments where individuals can truly thrive despite the difficulties of cognitive change. Our luxury care homes across London combine beautiful surroundings with exceptional, specialist care delivered by a dedicated team. What distinguishes our dementia care is the depth of understanding we bring to each person's unique journey. Our specialists take time to learn about each resident, gathering insights about their passions, career, family relationships, and the little details that make them who they are. This deep knowledge allows us to provide truly personalised care that respects individuality and maintains a sense of self. Our purpose-designed living spaces incorporate the latest thinking in dementia-supportive environments. Thoughtful wayfinding, appropriate lighting, accessible gardens, and sensory elements all work together to create a setting that reduces confusion while fostering independence. Each of our households offers a warm, homely atmosphere where residents can feel secure and oriented. If you're noticing early signs of dementia in someone close to you, we invite you to discover how KYN can provide the exceptional care they deserve. Reach out to our team to arrange a personal visit, request a brochure, or simply have a conversation about your specific situation.