Dementia Awareness – what to look for?

In the early stage of dementia, the person will start to experience problems that affect their everyday living. The person may notice these early changes themselves, or they may first be recognised by their family, friends or colleagues. While some people may not think it is necessary to see their doctor at this stage, it’s important to do so as soon as possible so the right support can be put in place early on.

Signs

· increasing forgetfulness

· difficulty retaining new information

· getting lost in places that used to be familiar

· struggling with names

· misplacing things frequently

Cognitive ability

· difficulty understanding time and place, eg getting up in the middle of the night to go to work, even if they’re retired

· difficulty with choosing what to buy and paying when shopping

· struggling with decision-making and reasoning

· loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy

· restlessness, eg pacing, fidgeting and trying to leave the house

Communication

· struggling to find the right words

· repeating themselves often

· difficulty making and following conversation

· difficulty reading and writing

· becoming quieter and more withdrawn

· loss of interest in socialising

· loss of confidence

· changes in personality and behaviour

· mood swings, anxiety and depression