Is my loved one living with dementia? The early signs.

Understanding the early signs of dementia is important to ensure those living with dementia are provided care and support at the right time. We have put together some signs which may help spot dementia early on which can help in ensuring there is time to consider the various options for care and support for the individual.

Memory challenges:

Memory lapses like forgetting recent events or misplacing personal items may indicate possible early-stage dementia. These behaviours can be subtle and slow to come on but recognizing these can serve as a valuable signal. Seek help from a professional who would be able to suggest the correct support and action.

Changes in communication:

It is common for those living with dementia to experience changes to their ability to communicate. They might begin to struggle with recalling words, or they may begin to repeat the same information without need or cause. Our recommendation is to approach this situation with patience as the individual living with dementia is not doing this deliberately and may become frustrated themselves.

Navigating time and space:

The relationship an individual living with dementia has with time and space may well change depending on how dementia is affecting them. It is common for the individual to feel lost or might not be able to assess the time of day. It is important to empathise with them during this time and arrangements may need to be made to support individuals if this is becoming a concern or if they are putting themselves at risk.

Social isolation:

As individuals begin their journey with dementia, it is possible that they may withdraw from social situations as they begin to identify their own changes in behaviour. Usually, the most significant factor in this would be changes in their ability to communicate. It is important to continue to create inclusive environments through listening, engagement and maintaining connections. An individuals’ interests may change during this time so they may begin to enjoy activities they previously didn’t enjoy so much and interest in lifelong hobbies may reduce.

The early signs of dementia above can create changes in mood and emotions. Understanding these early signs can be extremely useful to creating the correct environment of support and care for the individual living with dementia. We, at Principle Care Homes, aim to support and guide individuals supporting those living with dementia.

If you suspect someone you love is showing signs of dementia, seeking professional support can increase your knowledge and understanding of what support is available. Not just for your loved one, but for you too.