Spotting the Early Signs of Dementia
Dementia is a progressive condition so symptoms will gradually get worse over time. Spotting the early signs of dementia can be difficult, it can it tricky to spot what's going on or know when to reach out for help. While each person with Dementia will handle their feelings in their own way, certain behaviours are common, here we share some frequent early signs to keep an eye out for.
Download your Guide to Care at Home to discover how, with a little support, you can continue to live happily and safely at home with Dementia.
Memory loss affecting daily life
Frequently forgetting key dates e.g. appointments or birthdays.
Repeatedly asking for things.
Increasing reliance on memory aids e.g. sticky notes or 'to do' lists.
Forgetting what happened earlier in the day.
Getting lost or feeling lost in familiar surroundings.
Struggling to focus
Struggling to follow conversations or TV programmes.
Difficulty concentrating.
Mislaying things
Losing objects and not being able to retrace where they were left.
Accusing others of moving or taking items.
Losing track of time or place
Forgetting where they are, or how they got there
Lack of understanding of dates, seasons or time
Changes in behaviour and personality
Confusion or paranoia
Loss of motivation
Mood changes
Becoming easily upset
Becoming aggressive
Struggling with planning and organising
Struggling to follow a plan or work with numbers e.g. following a recipe or paying a bill
Difficulties completing familiar tasks e.g. driving to the shops
Problems with speaking or writing
Having trouble following or joining a conversation
Struggling with vocabulary and finding the right words
Forgetting the names of family and friends or everyday objects
Vision and visual problems
Difficulties judging distance, colour or contrast
Struggling with reading
Increasingly poor judgement
Poor judgement around money e.g. signing up to a door-to-door sales pitch when they would not normally have done so
Less focus on personal care and hygiene
Forgetting to pay bills
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Stepping back from previously enjoyed hobbies or sports
Becoming less engaged in social and/or family activities
Becoming unable to participate in a favourite hobby for no apparent reason.
All of the above could be early signs of dementia or other conditions, but if you notice these changes in the person you're supporting, do encourage them to visit their GP to get a diagnosis.
Guide to care at home
Although there is no cure for Dementia at present, if it is diagnosed in the early stages, there are ways you can slow it down and maintain mental function.
A diagnosis can help get the right treatment and support and help everyone involved to prepare and plan for the future. Many people with Dementia are able to lead active, fulfilled lives in the comfort and reassuring surrounding of their own homes.
If you would like to chat to us about how a little extra care and support at home from a Dementia-friendly provider can help then do
get in touch
.
Sources: NHS, Alzheimer's Society, Age UK, Dementia Action Alliance, Dementia Friends, Which?
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