Dementia isn’t a specific disease but a general term for a range of disorders affecting the brain, of which Alzheimer’s is the most common.
In fact, there are over 200 types of dementia, but each type stops a person’s brain cells working in specific areas, affecting their ability to remember, think and speak.
Everyone experiences dementia differently, so the signs and symptoms may vary between people. Symptoms can be small at first, but worsen over time, and can cause forgetfulness, confusion and changes in behaviour.
If you notice any of these warning signs and symptoms, don’t ignore them and see your doctor as soon as possible – an early diagnosis may be able to slow the development of the illness.
Early signs of dementia.
Each person experiences dementia in their own individual way. The first signs can be mild and may not be noticed, although there are some common early signs and symptoms.
While someone may maintain some independence such as driving, working and being social, there may be occasional lapses of memory and other mental difficulties that only those closest to them will notice.
They may forget familiar words, the location or names of everyday objects, people, or things that happened recently.
They might struggle to perform everyday tasks in social or work settings.
There may be problems with speaking, language and communicating with people, following a conversation or finding the right word for something.
Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, thinking things through, solving problems, planning or organising.
Mood changes are also common; the person may become anxious, frightened or depressed. They may be frustrated at losing the ability to do things.
Early signs of dementia in women.
Women are more likely to develop dementia than men – 65% of people with dementia in the UK are women, mainly because women tend to live longer than men, and the biggest risk factor for dementia is old age. (The risk of developing dementia is similar for men and women up until they are older.)
Hormonal changes can also make dementia more common in women, together with differences in the effects of high blood pressure and lower rates of physical activity.
Early signs of dementia in women may include memory loss and confusion, difficulty with problem-solving, and changes in behaviour and personality.
Despite these differences, the signs and symptoms of dementia in women are generally the same as those in other genders.
Early signs of dementia in men.
Early signs of dementia in men can include general memory loss, which can result in forgetting recent events, dates, or misplacing things.
Men can experience language problems, being unable to find the right word or trouble engaging in conversation.
General confusion about time and place, getting lost and trouble with familiar daily tasks like driving, shopping or cooking
Mood changes are common where there is increased anxiety or agitation.
This can lead to changes in behaviour where someone avoids social situations.
The individual can become bad tempered and unpredictable, exhibiting poor judgment or making unusual decisions.
Getting help: steps to take early in the illness.
An early diagnosis can help the individual and their family understand what is happening and why, plan for the future, learn how best to manage any changes and get the right treatment and support.
An early diagnosis can also help the individual access the right support to live as well as possible, with possible treatment for their symptoms, and information to help them and others understand the changes they’re experiencing.
