Dementia is a complex condition that affects cognitive abilities, memory, and daily functioning. Recognising the signs of dementia is a crucial first step toward seeking professional guidance and support. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

Early detection allows for better management of the condition. Implementation of supportive strategies and home adaptations such as swapping a standard bath for a walk-in bath, can aid with reduced mobility and enhance the quality of life for those affected by dementia.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 early signs of dementia and how to get a dementia diagnosis, empowering you to manage dementia in yourself or your loved ones.

1. Memory Loss Beyond Forgetfulness: While occasional forgetfulness is normal, persistent memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a sign of dementia. Pay attention to instances where important details, names, or recent events are consistently forgotten.
2. Difficulty with Familiar Tasks: Individuals with dementia may struggle with tasks that were once routine and familiar. This can include forgetting how to drive to a familiar location, prepare a meal, or use a shower.
3. Language and Communication Challenges: Dementia can impact language skills, leading to difficulties in expressing thoughts, finding the right words, or understanding conversations. Pay attention to changes in communication patterns.
4. Confusion about Time and Place: People with dementia may lose track of time, seasons, or even their current location. They may become disoriented about where they are, how they got there, or what time it is.
5. Poor Judgment and Decision-Making: Dementia can affect judgment and decision-making abilities. Watch for signs of impaired judgment, such as giving away large sums of money to telemarketers or neglecting personal hygiene.
6. Changes in Mood and Personality: Individuals with dementia may undergo noticeable changes in mood and personality. This can manifest as increased irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities.
7. Difficulty Completing Familiar Tasks: Everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or cooking, may become increasingly challenging for someone with dementia. Look out for signs of struggle or confusion in completing tasks that were once second nature.
8. Misplacing Items and Unable to Retrace Steps: People with dementia may place items in unusual locations and then struggle to retrace their steps to find them. Keep an eye out for instances where personal belongings are consistently lost or misplaced.
9. Social Withdrawal: Dementia can lead to a withdrawal from social activities and a decline in interpersonal relationships. Individuals may become less engaged in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
10. Repetition and Forgetfulness of Recent Information: Repetition of questions, stories, or statements may occur as individuals with dementia struggle to remember recent information. They may ask the same questions multiple times within a short span.

How to Get a Dementia Diagnosis in the UK

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a challenging journey, both for individuals experiencing cognitive changes and their families. In the United Kingdom, specific steps and procedures are in place to facilitate the diagnosis of dementia. Below, we aim to shed light on the process and offer insights and practical advice for those seeking a dementia diagnosis for themselves or someone they care for.

Request a Dementia Assessment from Your General Practitioner (GP)

The first step toward a dementia diagnosis often involves scheduling an appointment with your GP.

Preparing for your GP appointment:

• Consider bringing someone close to you for support and additional insights.
• Prepare a list of topics you want to discuss and your concerns.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms for two weeks prior
• Fill out a symptoms checklist.
• List all medications, including over-the-counter and alternative remedies.
• Request a longer appointment if needed.
• Ask to see a familiar GP, and if necessary, request a translator.

During the initial dementia assessment, your GP will conduct various tests, which may include:

• Personal and Medical History: The GP will inquire about the onset of your symptoms, their impact on your life, your medical history, and your family’s medical background. They may contact someone close to you for additional information.
• Physical Examinations: A physical examination may be conducted, especially if there are concerns about conditions like stroke or Parkinson’s disease. This examination assesses your movement, coordination, and potential issues with hearing and sight.
• Tests: The GP may request blood and urine samples for testing to identify other conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), may be recommended to assess heart function.
• Cognitive Assessment: To understand your memory, thought processes, and awareness of time and place, the GP will ask a series of questions, constituting a cognitive assessment. In-person appointments may involve writing responses on paper.

Following the assessment, your GP will discuss their findings, and if dementia is suspected, they may refer you to a memory clinic for a more in-depth evaluation.

These specialised clinics often have multidisciplinary teams, including neurologists, psychologists, and dementia specialists. Attending a memory clinic appointment can provide a comprehensive assessment and help determine the most accurate diagnosis.

You may undergo further diagnostic tests like brain imaging (MRI or CT scans). These tests can help rule out other potential causes of cognitive symptoms and provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Help with Managing Dementia

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be incredibly scary. Being proactive and seeking a dementia diagnosis can make it easier to cope, with a more in-depth understanding of what you might expect and how to prepare for the progression of the disease. Charities that can offer support and resources to help you cope include:

Alzheimer’s Society

Trained experts are available to provide you with the help you require if you are living with dementia, anxious about a diagnosis, or caring for someone with dementia.

Dementia helpline: 0333 150 3456 (Monday to Wednesday, 9 am to 8 pm; Thursday and Friday, 9 am to 5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm).

Dementia UK

Admiral-specialised dementia nurses provide free, professional guidance, understanding, and support to help you care for yourself or a loved one and manage the difficulties of living with dementia.

Dementia helpline: 0800 888 6678 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm).