Recognizing the early signs of dementia can be challenging, but there are common indicators that anyone can spot. The earlier we can spot the signs and support someone to get help, the better their options of care and treatment will be.

1: Memory Loss

We all forget things from time to time but dementia-related memory loss is different. A consultant psychiatrist once explained it saying that with normal memory loss, the information will eventually come back (albeit at 3am!) but with dementia, the memory never returns.

It often involves forgetting recent events, conversations, or important dates. For instance, you might see someone frequently asking the same questions or struggling to remember names of people they once knew well.

It’s important to look for patterns. Is the person misplacing items more often? Or do they seem unsure about where they are? If this memory loss starts to interfere significantly with daily life, it may be a sign of dementia. Remember, it’s not just about forgetting; it’s about how often it happens and its impact on their daily functioning.

 2: Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks

This can manifest in various ways—perhaps someone is struggling to cook a favourite recipe or manage their finances. They might have trouble remembering how to get to a place they’ve visited countless times.

If you notice someone is suddenly unable to perform tasks that they’ve done for years, it’s definitely something to take note of. Consider discussing these changes with them to see how they feel about it.

3: Confusion About Time, Place and Person

People with dementia often lose track of dates, time, places and even familiar people. For example, they might get confused about how they got somewhere or express bewilderment about whether it's morning or evening.

This disorientation can lead to frustration and anxiety for them and those around them. If you observe someone becoming disoriented in familiar environments, it’s a significant red flag.

4: Changes in Mood and Personality

It is not uncommon for Dementia to cause changes in a person’s behaviour and mood. They may become more anxious, depressed, suspicious, or easily agitated. For instance, someone who was once calm and easy-going might experience unexplained mood swings.

It’s important to recognize that these shifts can be distressing, not just for the affected person but also for their family and friends. Understanding that these changes are part of the cognitive decline can be key and help you to provide support and reassurance as needed.

5: Withdrawal from Social Activities

If you notice that someone you know is pulling away from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed, this could indicate cognitive decline. This kind of isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and even depression.

It’s essential to encourage and support social interaction, even if they resist at first. Sometimes a simple phone call or visit can remind them that they’re loved and valued. Encourage them to participate in social activities that resonate with them.

Staying active can help keep the brain healthy.

Understanding Dementia and what signs to look out for are essential to anyone - not just those of us that assess mental capacity.

If you notice these signs in someone you care about, it’s essential not to dismiss them. Encouraging them to seek professional help can make a significant difference. Early diagnosis and intervention can lead to better management of the condition and improve their quality of life.