What are the early signs and stages of dementia?

Early stages of dementia are often the signs and symptoms that lead a person to get a diagnosis.  At this stage, the person is likely to be largely independent, and need minimal support in their day-to-day living.  However, with the decline in cognitive function such as memory (remembering to eat, having trouble with reading the time or repeatedly losing keys/getting locked out of the house) mean that more assistance and support may be needed.  The early stages of dementia are when most people start to think about planning for their future. 

Early signs and symptoms of dementia

Poor orientation This is where people find themselves getting lost, or confused about where they are. It could be that they take a bus to town, but forget where they are going. Others may go for a walk and get lost trying to find their way home. 

Memory problems

Most people recognise memory loss as an early indication of dementia. This kind of memory loss can look like losing keys repeatedly, or misplacing their purse or wallet. Some people may even forget events that happened that day or repeat themselves in conversation. 

Extreme changes in mood For some people who have dementia, there are dramatic changes in mood where a person becomes inexplicably irritable, anxious, frightened or sad. Some are withdrawn or lose confidence in their day to day abilities. This can lead to losing interest in hobbies or seeing people. It’s one of the reasons we think it’s really important to get together at The Dementia Experience events. Novelty, fun and togetherness often supports improving mood for everyone - whether you’re experiencing dementia or are a caregiver to a loved one with a diagnosis. 

Trouble planning ahead

This covers all manner of behaviours. Struggling to plan ahead can be as simple as paying a council tax bill all the way through to arriving at a doctors appointment on time, or even making a meal from scratch. Spacial awareness For many people with dementia, social awareness can start to become a problem. For example they may struggle with climbing the stairs independently, judge distances like setting down a cup of tea or experience visual hallucinations that considerably change their environment and cause accidents. 

Language and talking

It can be difficult for some people to find the right words, or struggle to follow a conversation (regardless of the duration). The early symptoms of dementia are very scary. There’s no two ways about it… Going to a dementia referral appointment takes a lot of courage, and handling a diagnosis is a life-altering experience. 

At The Dementia Experience, our entire team have hands-on experience of the process, because have lived it (and are living it) ourselves. We know the stresses, pressures and anxieties that come with noticing the early signs of dementia, and the emotional rollercoaster people go through proving care for their loved one. It’s one of the many reasons why we are here - to support you through every step of the journey with the resources, community and “suit of armour” to protect you as you navigate the journey. 

We host monthly free coffee mornings, information sharing events and sing-a-longs to inspire togetherness, and inject joy and jubilance into the everyday moments of moving through life with a dementia diagnosis. 

Become a member for free: Visit our local dementia coffee mornings in Kent: www.dementia-experience.co.uk

UK -wide dementia helplines
Alzheimer's Society: Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456
Age UK: advice line on 0800 678 1602 (free)
Independent Age: helpline on 0800 319 6789 (free)
Dementia UK: Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (free)
Carers UK: helpline on 0800 808 7777 (free)
Dementia Carers Count: carer support line on 0800 652 1102 (free)

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