How to Recognise the Early Dementia Signs
Early signs of dementia can be difficult to recognise, but with the right guidance, you can identify if your loved one needs care early on.
Dementia is a progressive condition that often presents subtly to begin with. For this reason, many people find it difficult to spot the signs – in fact, research suggests that there are around 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and more than a third of them do not yet have a formal diagnosis. Spotting concerns early can help families access support sooner.
Forgetfulness, memory loss, and changes in personality are all symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
In this guide to recognising early dementia signs, we walk you through the process so that you can confidently seek the medical help that your family member, partner, or friend may need.
Recognising early symptoms of dementia is not about reacting to every minor change. It is about noticing patterns over time and understanding when something feels different from normal ageing.
Many conditions can mimic dementia, from low mood to vitamin deficiencies or infections, so approaching the process gently and with good information can make a real difference for both you and your loved one.
What’s Normal Ageing vs Something More?
Everyone becomes a little more forgetful as they grow older.
From misplacing keys or occasionally losing track of a sentence, this is common and usually nothing to worry about. Dementia, however, is not an inevitable part of ageing, even though age is the biggest risk factor.
With this said, the concern arises when these moments become frequent or start to affect daily life.
When someone forgets important dates, repeats the same question several times, or struggles with tasks they used to manage with ease, it may point to something more than typical ageing. NHS guidance also highlights confusion about time or place, problems with language and understanding, and changes in mood or behaviour as early warning signs.
For reassurance, normal ageing tends to look like delayed recall. A loved one may forget a name, but it comes to them shortly after. On the other hand, dementia-related changes interrupt the ability to remember at all.
You might notice that your loved one experiences difficulties with planning, such as cooking or household chores.
If you’re unsure, it helps to keep a simple note of what you’re seeing over a few weeks. Patterns often reveal themselves clearly this way and can be valuable during a GP appointment. Tools such as dementia symptoms checklists can also help you organise your observations before you go to the doctor.
Common Early Signs to Look For
Early dementia signs vary from person to person, and they depend on the type of dementia in question. Some symptoms appear more often than others, so it is important to be mindful of this.
Memory lapses are the most well-known symptom of dementia. A person may forget conversations soon after having them or struggle to recall recent events.
Everyday tasks can become confusing too, from managing finances to navigating a familiar route – look out for overwhelm as this could be a sign.
You might also notice changes in your loved one’s language. For example, the person may pause often mid-sentence or choose unusual words because the ones they want simply will not come.
Orientation can become tricky for people with early dementia; this can involve losing track of the day or becoming confused in places they previously knew well.
Finally, behaviour and mood often shift in those with dementia before memory changes – this is especially true for some frontotemporal types, where early signs can include personality change, disinhibition or loss of empathy.
You might see withdrawal, irritability or a marked increase in impulsive behaviour. These changes can feel upsetting or out of character, so it helps to remember that they are signs of the brain working differently, not intentional choices.
Could It Be Mild Cognitive Impairment?
Not every change in a person’s way of being points towards dementia; it could be something else.
Mild Cognitive Impairment, often called MCI, sits somewhere between normal ageing and dementia.
People with MCI experience noticeable changes, particularly around memory and concentration, but they are generally able to manage daily activities independently. Some remain stable for years, while others may develop dementia later on. Studies suggest that around 10–15% of people with well-defined MCI develop dementia each year, which is why monitoring over time is so important.
A GP can help determine whether symptoms fit with MCI or something more significant. Early assessment also helps rule out treatable causes, such as thyroid problems, infections or vitamin deficiencies, which can produce very similar symptoms.
Monitoring MCI regularly is important so that any progression can be spotted quickly.
When and How to Speak to a GP
If you’ve noticed early dementia signs in someone close to you, speaking to a GP is always essential. But you may be asking, when to see a GP about memory loss in a loved one? Here is what you should know.
We advise that you make a few notes of specific examples, ideally with rough dates or patterns.
Be sure to bring details of any medications, recent illnesses or big changes in the person’s life, as these can affect memory and mood.
A GP may run simple checks in the surgery or refer the person to a memory clinic for further assessment. You can also ask for a longer appointment if you think you may need extra time to talk things through.
These clinics offer more detailed tests and look at a person’s everyday functioning as well as their cognitive skills. This early stage of assessment is not about labels. It is about understanding what is happening and ensuring the right support is in place.
Across England, record numbers of people are now receiving a dementia diagnosis, with almost half a million people formally diagnosed, but national data still shows that many others remain undiagnosed. This underlines how important it is to speak up if you’re worried.
How to Start the Conversation with a Loved One
Raising concerns with a loved one can be challenging, especially when the changes you’ve seen are sensitive.
Choosing a calm moment will always help; perhaps sitting together somewhere private and framing your observations kindly can set the right tone.
You might say that you have noticed a few things that seem out of the ordinary and that you want to understand what’s going on with them. It is important not to rush the conversation or overwhelm your loved one.
If the person is worried or defensive, know that this is normal. You can reassure them that you are trying to help, not make assumptions.
Reminding them that many health issues can affect memory in the short term may help them feel more comfortable about seeing a GP.
If you feel unsure how to approach the conversation, national dementia helplines can offer guidance and emotional support, both for you and for the person you are concerned about.
Everyday Communication Tips that Help Right Now
Communication is key when determining change in a loved one’s behaviour. Even trying to implement small changes in how you communicate will ease pressure for you both.
Speak slower than usual and allow the person time to think about their reply. When communicating, be sure to keep the space free of any distractions – turning off the television or radio where possible – as this will aid focus.
If your loved one struggles to find their words, try providing gentle prompts and offering choices. This can work better and will result in a conversation style that feels relaxed.
Finally, try to avoid correcting mistakes, as this can result in further frustration. Instead, do your best to be present and patient at all times. You will find that your conversations flow easier by following the guidance above.
Local, Compassionate Support in Plymouth
Front of Plymstock Care Home. Image Credit: Wisteria House Plymstock
If you live in the Plymouth area, you don’t have to manage this journey alone.
Wisteria House offers warm, specialist dementia care with a focus on comfort and dignity.
Families value the open visiting approach, which means you can come when it suits, without fixed hours. The team takes time to understand each person’s routines, preferences and life story, helping them to settle and feel at ease.
Short stays and planned respite care in Plymouth are available for those who need a little extra support or want to trial dementia care at their own pace.
Many families find these visits helpful, as they give the person time to relax in a supportive setting while offering relatives a chance to rest. If you’re unsure what type of help you need, the Wisteria House team can talk you through the options and answer questions without pressure.
Book a Short Stay or Arrange a Visit
Resident Tea Party! Image Credit: Wisteria House Plymstock
If you’ve recognised early dementia signs and feel it may be time to seek more support, Wisteria House Care Homes in Plymouth are here to guide you with every step of the way.
Taking the first step can bring enormous reassurance and give your loved one the care and understanding they deserve. You are welcome to arrange a visit, speak to the team or enquire about availability for a short stay.