What are the most common signs and symptoms of dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a syndrome that impacts a person’s memory, thinking, behaviour, and ability to perform everyday tasks, often causing cognitive decline that limits or prevents the ability to function independently.
In this blog, we’re exploring the signs and symptoms to look out for in your loved one, to enable you to understand, support and navigate their diagnosis.
Understanding Dementia
There are different types of dementia, including vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal. The most common type is Alzheimer’s.
Generally speaking, dementia is a progressive condition that worsens over time, and most commonly affects older adults.
It’s caused by damage to the brain cells; this then affects their ability to communicate and, in many cases, live independently.
While each case is unique and will affect people differently, there are common signs and symptoms of dementia that you can look out for.
What Are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Dementia?
While occasional forgetfulness or confusion is common as people age, dementia symptoms are persistent and progressively worsen over time, significantly interfering with daily life.
Early detection is important for managing the condition and improving quality of life. With this in mind, here are some of the most common early signs to look out for:
1. Memory Loss
One of the most common early signs of dementia is memory loss. If your loved one is frequently forgetting recent events, conversations, or appointments, you may need to start monitoring the situation.
You may find that they start to ask the same questions repeatedly, or rely on memory aids (such as notes or reminders). They may also have difficulty remembering names of familiar people or places.
While memory loss alone isn’t necessarily dementia, it can be an indicator that something is amiss, and it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.
2. Difficulty with Problem-Solving and Planning
If your loved one is struggling to follow steps in tasks such as cooking, paying bills, or managing finances, this can be an indicator of dementia.
Often, older adults will have trouble concentrating, making decisions, following familiar routines, or understanding sequences.
For example, they might dress inappropriately for the weather outside, and not realise why this could be a problem.
3. Confusion About Time and Place
If a person forgets the odd appointment, this could just be down to a busy lifestyle.
However, if they start missing important birthdays, or lose track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, dementia could be the root cause.
You might find that your loved one starts getting lost in familiar places, or not knowing how they got there. They may also struggle to understand where they are, or why they’re there.
4. Trouble with Communication
Because dementia interrupts the brain’s usual function, it can have an impact on communication.
Your loved one may repeat the same words, phrases, or questions, have difficulty finding the right word, or start calling objects by the wrong name.
5. Changes in Mood or Personality
Dementia can cause increased irritability, anxiety, or depression. This is often because the person feels frustrated that they can no longer remember things or has difficulty performing simple, everyday activities.
If you notice your loved one is becoming unusually agitated, confused, or even suspicious, and they’re starting to withdraw from social activities, hobbies, or favourite pastimes, then it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a GP.
6. Difficulty with Visual-Spatial Skills
The brain controls visual-spatial skills, so when dementia affects this area, you may notice difficulty in judging distances or recognising common objects.
They might start to have difficulty recognising faces or common objects, or struggle with driving/navigating familiar environments.
7. Poor Judgment or Decision-Making
Many people with dementia may start making decisions that are out of their normal range, such as giving away large sums of money, or neglecting their personal hygiene.
While losing your keys is a regular occurrence for many people, with dementia, your loved one may start misplacing lots of items — which can then turn up in the most unexpected places.
8. Loss of Initiative
People with dementia often experience a noticeable loss of interest in work, social activities, or hobbies they once enjoyed.
They may begin to avoid tasks they once enjoyed, or show less enthusiasm for socialising.
They may show signs of apathy or lack of motivation, making it difficult for them to engage in tasks, even when those tasks are necessary for their well-being, such as maintaining personal hygiene or completing simple daily chores.
9. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks
As dementia progresses, individuals may struggle to complete everyday tasks that were once routine, such as preparing meals, operating household appliances, or using technology like a computer or phone.
They may also forget how to play a favourite game or perform jobs they have done for many years, leading to increasing dependence on others for help with basic activities.
10. Behavioural and Psychological Changes
Unexplained changes in behaviour are common in those with dementia. They may become more aggressive, easily upset, or exhibit emotions that seem out of character.
Restlessness is also frequent, and some individuals may begin to wander or pace aimlessly, which can pose safety risks if left unchecked.
These shifts in behaviour can be distressing both for the person with dementia and you, their caregiver.
Recognising these signs early can play a crucial role in improving your loved one’s quality of life and ensuring they receive the care they need.
About Macc Care
At Macc Care, we’re committed to providing compassionate, specialised support for individuals living with dementia.
Our care homes offer safe, welcoming environments designed to cater to the unique needs of those with dementia, ensuring they feel secure, valued, and understood.
With a focus on person-centred care, we tailor our approach to each resident, fostering a sense of belonging and dignity.
Our highly trained staff work closely with families to create personalised care plans, ensuring that every resident receives the best possible support to enhance their quality of life and well-being.
For further information about our dementia care, or to find out how we can support your loved one in one of our Macc Care homes, please contact a member of our team.
Alternatively, why not read our previous blog to learn about declining mental health in older adults?
