What are the signs of dementia?

How can I tell if someone has dementia?

We know how scary it can be to notice changes in memory, personality or behaviour, whether those changes affect you or someone you love.

These kinds of changes aren’t always caused by dementia. Occasional memory lapses are a normal part of ageing for many people. And things like medication, vitamin deficiencies and certain infections can cause symptoms similar to early dementia signs.

The most important thing is not to worry about getting help. Your GP can assess whether dementia is the most likely cause. And even if it’s bad news, getting early treatment for dementia is one of the best ways to manage its symptoms.

But what are the signs of dementia? In this guide, we show you 10 common signs so you know what to look for. We also cover differences between the various types of dementia, early vs late warning signs and how to seek help if you’re concerned.

10 common signs of dementia

There are many types of dementia, and each affects a person differently. Depending on the type, a person might experience different symptoms or notice changes at a different rate.

That’s why it’s best to see these signs as a rough guide to the signs you might notice if a person has dementia. The only way to tell for sure is to visit your GP.

They’ll talk about your symptoms and run tests to see whether further investigation is needed.

1. Memory loss

Memory loss is one of the most common early dementia signs. However, memory loss can also be a normal part of getting older, so it’s important not to jump to conclusions.

Dementia-related memory loss goes further than simple forgetfulness:

• ‘I forgot that person’s name, but I remembered it later’ – this kind of thing happens to everyone, and isn’t necessarily a sign of dementia
• ‘I often lose track of dates and times or get lost in familiar places’ – this deeper level of memory loss could be a sign of something more serious.

Again, the best thing to do is to visit your GP. The sooner they can rule out dementia or begin treatment, the better.

2. Personality changes

Dementia is a disease that affects the brain. So, as well as impacting memory, it can affect personality. Changes in mood or behaviour could be a warning sign. That includes out-of-character mood swings and emotions. Memory problems often make people feel frustrated and angry.

3. Misplacing possessions

We all forget where we put our keys from time to time. But for a person living with dementia, misplacing items can be a daily problem.

They might also misplace items where they don’t belong. For instance, they might put non-food items in the fridge or freezer.

4. Disorientation

Feeling lost or disoriented is a common sign of dementia. That includes being confused about:

• Time: getting muddled about the time of day, for instance, or turning up for dinner in the morning
• Place: getting lost in familiar places, or finding that those places suddenly feel strange

These experiences can be very distressing.

5. Social withdrawal

Dementia can make a person very passive. They may sit staring into space for a long time, or drift off to sleep when watching TV. They might also lose interest in hobbies or social events.

If you notice behaviours like these, it could be a warning sign of dementia. It could also be a sign of something else, such as depression. Keep an eye out for other symptoms and don’t be afraid to visit your GP if you’re concerned.

6. Trouble finding the right words

A person living with dementia might have trouble finding the right words or following a conversation. Look out for signs like:

• Stopping in the middle of a conversation
• Repeating words, phrases, questions or stories
• Finding it hard to name a familiar object or using the wrong name

7. Poor judgement

Dementia often makes it harder to assess situations, weigh up options and make decisions. That can lead to changes in judgement and decision-making, such as:

• Wearing winter clothes on a hot day
• Overlooking a health problem that needs attention
• Paying less attention to appearance
• Being less careful with money – perhaps giving money away to people they don’t know

8. Difficulty completing tasks

Dementia makes everyday tasks more difficult. That might include:

• Changing TV channels
• Making a cup of tea
• Following a recipe
• Preparing a simple meal
If you notice that a person is finding these tasks harder, pay close attention. It could be a warning sign of dementia.

9. Trouble with images or spatial relationships

Dementia can affect how the brain processes spatial information. That includes where objects and images are, their size and how they relate to one another. It also includes cognitive mapping – how we build mental layouts of familiar places.

This can cause issues like:

• Difficulty reading
• Trouble judging distances
• Finding it hard to determine colour or contrast

A person living with dementia might even look in the mirror and think another person is in the room. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve forgotten who they are. Their brain may simply be interpreting what they see differently.

10. Loss of abstract thinking

‘Abstract thinking’ means understanding ideas, patterns and meanings, even if we can’t physically touch or see them. Most of us use abstract thinking every day, but people living with dementia might find it difficult or impossible.

That can cause issues with day-to-day problem-solving, such as managing household bills, doing simple maths or understanding instructions.

What are early dementia signs?

Are you concerned that you or someone you know might be experiencing the early stages of dementia?

Early dementia signs vary from person to person. For some, they may be subtle and easy to overlook. Others might notice more obvious changes earlier on. The type of dementia can also affect which symptoms appear first.

Here are some common early signs to watch for (not necessarily in this order):

• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Finding familiar tasks more difficult
• Getting confused about time or place
• Changes in mood, behaviour or personality

Remember: it’s always best to seek help sooner rather than later. If you spot the early signs of dementia, make an appointment with your GP so you can work together to find the best way forward.

What are the signs of late-stage dementia?

Dementia is a progressive disease. That means symptoms gradually get worse over time.
With certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, a person may be able to live independently for a decade or more with the right support. Others might need more support and experience a faster onset of symptoms.

Eventually, however, late-stage dementia symptoms will appear. These can include:

• Severe memory loss, including difficulty recognising familiar people
• Increasing difficulty communicating – eventually, they may be unable to speak or understand speech
• Greater difficulties with everyday activities, such as washing, eating and dressing
• Loss of mobility – difficulty walking, standing or sitting without support
• Problems swallowing, which can make eating and drinking more difficult
• Incontinence, as control of the bladder or bowel becomes harder
• More changes in behaviour or mood, including increasing restlessness, agitation or sleepiness
• Increased disorientation, including difficulty recognising familiar places

A person living with late-stage dementia is also more vulnerable to infections and other health problems.

Different types of dementia and their symptoms

Experts have identified more than 100 types of dementia. While certain symptoms are common in most types, there are differences – and these different symptoms might appear slowly or suddenly.

The most common types of dementia are:

• Alzheimer’s, which affects about 60% of people living with dementia
• Vascular dementia, which affects around 15%
• Lewy body dementia, which affects around 10%
• Mixed dementia, which also affects around 10%

Remember that the symptoms of dementia can vary widely, even between people with the same diagnosis. The table below gives an overview of some common patterns, but not everyone will notice these signs or experience them in the same order.

Dementia symptoms in elderly people: is it age or something else?

How do you know if you have dementia or if the changes you’re experiencing are just part of getting older?

That’s one of the difficulties when trying to spot dementia symptoms in elderly people. It’s normal to forget a person’s name or where we left our keys from time to time. But when does forgetfulness become a cause for concern?

Memory problems can become more common as we get older, but that doesn’t mean all memory concerns are dementia. Research suggests around 25% of people aged 65 to 69 (and more than 50% of those over 90) feel that their memory has gotten worse (Clinical Epidemiology). Meanwhile, around 7% of people aged over 65 are living with dementia (Alzheimer’s Society).

Let’s look at some examples of how memory problems might vary with dementia compared to normal ageing. These symptoms are different for everyone, so you can’t use them to diagnose dementia. However, they should give you an idea of what’s typical and what might be a cause for concern.

Does dementia affect men and women differently?

Broadly speaking, the typical signs of dementia are similar across all genders. However, there can be differences in how quickly these symptoms appear, as well as the chances of developing certain types of dementia.

Men:
• Are more likely to develop vascular, Lewy body or frontotemporal dementia than women
• Are more often diagnosed with young-onset dementia (when symptoms appear before age 65)
• Tend to experience a steadier worsening of symptoms
• Are more likely to wander, feel apathy (lack of emotion and interest) and show physical or verbal aggression because of their dementia

Women:
• Have a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s – women make up around two-thirds of all patients (Alzheimer’s Association)
• Often get diagnosed later
• Tend to experience steeper, faster changes in symptoms
• Are more likely to experience emotional or mood-related symptoms, such as depression and anxiety

Can dementia affect younger people?

Yes, but it’s less common than dementia in older people. When dementia affects a person under 65, experts call it ‘young-onset dementia’.

Around 70,000 people in the UK are living with young-onset dementia (Young Dementia Network). That’s about one in every thousand people.

Meanwhile, around one in 14 people aged over 65 are living with dementia. That makes dementia much more common in this age group than among younger people.

Still, if you’re concerned about symptoms, it’s a good idea to get them checked out by your GP. While young-onset dementia is quite rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

I’m concerned – when should I seek help?

We know how easy it is to put off getting medical help – especially when you’re concerned about something as serious as dementia. However, it really is better to seek help sooner rather than later. That’s because early treatment is one of the best ways to manage the symptoms of dementia and maximise quality of life.

And remember: just because you’ve noticed some of the signs of dementia, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have dementia. There are lots of things that can cause dementia-like symptoms. Your GP may be able to rule out dementia and help treat whatever’s causing your symptoms.

How to get help

Here are the steps to take if you’re concerned about changes to memory, thinking or behaviour:

1. Start with your GP: make an appointment as soon as possible to get checked out. If you’re worried about someone else, you can encourage them to make an appointment and offer to go with them.

2. If you’re supporting someone, you can tell their GP about your concerns. The GP may not be able to share information with you, but they can listen to what you say and decide what to do next.

3. Take someone with you: the NHS recommends taking someone you trust to the appointment. They can describe any changes they’ve noticed and, if needed, help you remember important details later.

4. Prepare before the appointment: before you go, write down what you’ve noticed, when it started and whether it’s getting worse. It can be easy to forget these details when you’re face to face with your GP.

What happens next

Your appointment will start with a discussion. Your GP will ask about the changes you’ve noticed, when they started and how they’re affecting your day-to-day life. They’ll also ask about your medical history and any medicines you’re taking.

You might also be asked to complete a cognitive assessment, sometimes known as an ‘early sign of dementia test’. This is a series of questions or simple tasks that focus on things like memory, concentration and thinking.

Don’t worry – this isn’t about passing or failing. It’s just one part of the overall assessment.

It’s possible your GP will also arrange blood or urine tests. This is to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or vitamin deficiencies.

If your GP thinks you might have dementia, they may refer you to a specialist. Here, you’ll usually discuss your symptoms in more detail and repeat some of the cognitive tests. The specialist might also order further tests or a brain scan.

After you complete these tests, you’ll discuss the results and next steps. There’s no single test that can diagnose dementia, so the specialist will consider all the information they’ve gathered before coming to a conclusion.

If they diagnose dementia, they’ll explain what it means for you and discuss the treatments and support that best fit your needs.

Signs of dementia: your questions answered

How do you know if you have dementia?
The only way to know for sure if you have dementia is to visit your GP and get a referral to a specialised memory clinic. They’ll ask questions and run tests to gather information, then use this information to make a diagnosis.

This guide explains some of the common signs of dementia, but it’s not a substitute for expert medical advice. If you have any concerns, start by making an appointment with your GP.

What age do dementia symptoms start?
Most people living with dementia in the UK are aged 65 or above. When dementia symptoms start before the age of 65, it’s called ‘young-onset dementia’. This is quite rare, affecting around one in every 1,000 people.

Can dementia symptoms come and go?
Yes. Some dementia symptoms can fluctuate, meaning they might be more noticeable at some times than others. This is particularly common in Lewy body dementia. People with Lewy body dementia often experience changes in alertness, attention and thinking over minutes, hours or from one day to the next.

Are dementia symptoms reversible?
No. Dementia is a progressive disease. Unfortunately, that means symptoms become more noticeable over time and increasingly impact everyday life.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of treatment options. Dementia medications, therapies and day-to-day support can help those with dementia stay as independent as possible for longer.

Are dementia symptoms worse at night?
Sometimes, but not always. A common symptom of dementia is sundowning. This is when a person becomes more confused, agitated or distressed in the evening. This agitation and distress can sometimes continue into the night.

Dementia can also affect sleep. A person living with dementia might find it harder to fall asleep, wake up more often or become confused about what time it is. Problems with sleep can also make dementia symptoms more noticeable the next day.

What are signs that dementia is getting worse?
Dementia affects every person differently, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms in the same order.

So, if you or someone you know has dementia, the best thing to do is to look for changes in usual symptoms. Are they finding it harder to remember recent events? Are conversations becoming more stilted? Do they need more support to stay safe or manage health conditions?

An important point to remember is that a sudden change isn’t necessarily a sign of dementia getting worse. It could be another health problem, such as an infection. If you’re concerned about a sudden change, see your GP or call 999 in an emergency.

Will my loved one or I have to move into a care home?
Moving into a care home isn’t always inevitable. Care agencies like Novus Care offer specialist support for people living with dementia in their own homes. This tailored, one-to-one support can help dementia patients stay at home and live a fuller life for longer.

Learn more about our dementia home care.

email us or call our care team on: 0800 138 4030