Recognising the Early Signs of Dementia: What Every Family Should Know
Dementia doesn’t usually arrive all at once. Instead, it often begins with small, subtle changes in behaviour or memory that can easily be overlooked or attributed to ageing or stress. At Clarity Care Consulting, we understand how vital early recognition is in getting the right support in place for your loved one.
In this blog, we highlight some of the key early signs of dementia that families should be aware of, along with advice on what to do if you have concerns.
This blog is one of a series of blogs we will be publishing as part of our support for Dementia Action week, which is a campaign to raise awareness of Dementia and the importance of an early diagnosis for people affected by Dementia. Yesterday we published What is Dementia? Understanding the condition that affects millions.
Memory Loss That Disrupts Daily Life
While it’s normal to occasionally forget names or appointments, people in the early stages of dementia may start forgetting recently learned information, repeating themselves, or relying more on memory aids than before.
Example: Repeatedly asking the same questions or forgetting significant recent events or conversations.
Difficulty with Problem-Solving or Planning
Struggling to follow familiar routines, manage bills, or work through basic tasks could be a sign of cognitive decline. You might notice your loved one taking longer to do things they once found easy.
Example: Difficulty following a recipe, managing direct debits, or getting confused over a shopping list.
Confusion About Time or Place
Losing track of dates, seasons, or forgetting where they are or how they got there can be an early warning sign.
Example: Going for a walk and forgetting the way home, or becoming disoriented in a familiar place.
Changes in Mood, Personality, or Behaviour
A loved one may become unusually withdrawn, anxious, irritable, or even suspicious. These emotional shifts can be linked to the frustration of not understanding what is happening around them.
Example: Becoming upset in social situations, losing confidence, or reacting more strongly to small stressors.
Problems with Words and Communication
Dementia can make it harder for someone to find the right words, follow conversations, or repeat stories with accuracy.
Example: Pausing often when speaking, struggling to follow TV plots, or calling objects by the wrong name.
Misplacing Things and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps
While everyone misplaces things occasionally, a person with dementia might put items in unusual places and be unable to find them later. They may also accuse others of stealing as they forget where they placed something.
Example: Putting keys in the fridge or shoes in the oven, then blaming others when they can’t be found.
What to Do If You’re Worried
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s important not to panic. They don’t always mean dementia is the cause, but they are worth discussing with a GP.
Early diagnosis can help families:
- Access appropriate support and treatments
- Make future plans together
- Reduce uncertainty and stress
How Clarity Care Consulting Can Help
Recognising the signs is the first step. At Clarity Care Consulting, we work with families to navigate the next steps—whether that means arranging a professional assessment, exploring care options, or planning for the future.
We understand the emotional weight of these moments, and we’re here to help you make informed, compassionate decisions with confidence.
If you’d like to talk about care support for a loved one, contact our friendly team today.