Signs and symptoms of dementia

The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague, and may not be immediately obvious. Early symptoms also depend on the type of dementia and vary a great deal from person to person.

Early symptoms of dementia

Although the early signs vary, common early symptoms of dementia include:

• memory problems, particularly remembering recent events
• increasing confusion
• reduced concentration
• personality or behaviour changes
• apathy and withdrawal or depression
• loss of ability to do everyday tasks

Sometimes, people fail to recognise that these symptoms indicate that something is wrong. They may mistakenly assume that such behaviour is a normal part of the ageing process. Symptoms may also develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. Also, some people may refuse to act, even when they know something is wrong.

Common warning signs of dementia 

Medical experts will often go through the following checklist of the common symptoms of dementia. If the person affected has several of these signs, they might well then be referred to a dementia specialist e.g., a consultant neurologist or a consultant in elderly medicine. This is not saying pharmacy staff should go through everything in the below list with a patient, but they should report concerns through their normal chain of command e.g., their branch pharmacist!

Dementia and memory loss

It’s normal to occasionally forget appointments and remember them later. A person with dementia may forget things more often or not remember them at all.

Dementia and difficulty with tasks

People can get distracted, and they may forget to serve part of a meal. A person with dementia may have trouble with all the steps involved in preparing a meal.

Dementia and disorientation

A person with dementia may have difficulty finding their way to a familiar place or feel confused about where they are, or think they are back in some past time of their life.

Dementia and language problems

Everyone has trouble finding the right word sometimes, but a person with dementia may forget simple words or substitute inappropriate words, making sentences difficult to understand. They may also have trouble understanding others.

Dementia and changes in abstract thinking

Managing finances can be difficult for anyone, but a person with dementia may have trouble knowing what the numbers mean or what to do with them.

Dementia and poor judgement

Many activities require good judgement. When this ability is affected by dementia, the person may have difficulty making appropriate decisions, such as what to wear in cold weather.

Dementia and poor spatial skills

A person with dementia may have difficulty judging distance or direction when driving a car.

Dementia and misplacing things

Anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys. A person with dementia may not know what the keys are for.

Dementia and mood, personality, or behaviour changes

Everyone becomes sad or moody from time to time. Someone with dementia can have rapid mood swings, for no apparent reason. They can become confused, suspicious, or withdrawn. Some can become disinhibited or more outgoing.

Dementia and loss of initiative

It is normal to tire of some activities. Dementia may cause a person to lose interest in previously enjoyed activities or require cues prompting them to become involved.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, and the below video really demonstrates some of the early signs and symptoms.