Early signs of Dementia
Published: 15/09/2021
In the early stages of Dementia, a person's symptoms can be relatively mild and can often go unnoticed. There are also several different types of Dementia, which results in varied symptoms of the condition. At Right at Home, Stevenage, Letchworth and Hitchin, we want to offer expert knowledge to help you identify the early signs and symptoms of Dementia.
What is Dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a group of symptoms that result from damage to the brain caused by different diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease, which is the most common form of Dementia. Symptoms of Dementia can vary depending on which part of the brain is damaged. The most common symptoms include memory problems, becoming confused in unfamiliar settings, asking questions repetitively, having difficulty finding the right words, difficulty with task and activities that require organisation and planning, becoming more withdrawn and anxious, and difficulty with numbers and/or handling change in shops.
Symptoms of early Dementia
Early symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common include:
Memory Loss
Memory loss is one of the most common early signs of Dementia, and it varies from person to person, especially during the early stages of the condition. It can develop and worsen gradually, and it may also affect other parts of everyday life, such as the ability to carry out daily tasks.
Difficulty carrying out familiar tasks
Those affected by Dementia often struggle to carry out familiar, everyday tasks, including meal preparation, taking public transport, or going to the shops.
Mood changes
Mood changes are a common early sign of Dementia and can be extremely challenging to adjust to for both the person coping with dementia and those around them. They can appear suddenly and can seemingly occur for no apparent reason. Sudden changes in mood, alongside sudden new, unexplained and challenging behaviours, such as confusion, depression, anxiety, fear, and anger, can all be classed as early signs of Dementia.
Decreased or poor judgement
Poor judgement can also be an early sign of Dementia. It can also result in the person having difficulty making the appropriate decisions for things, such as knowing what clothes to wear in cold weather.
If you'd like more information and guidance on the early signs of Dementia, you can visit the Alzheimer's Society website here.
Are you worried someone has Dementia?
If someone you know is displaying any of the symptoms discussed in this article, even if just one of them, you should encourage them to see a GP. More information and advice are also available on the Alzheimer’s Society website, or on the NHS website. Each of these websites have online resources, which can offer valuable guidance and support if you or a loved one has Dementia. In some cases, if Dementia is found early enough, there is evidence to suggest that its progress could be slowed, allowing the person to maintain their mental function for longer.
How can we help?
Our specialist team of CareGivers can support you or your loved ones to remain in the comfort of their own homes whilst still receiving the highest quality care. You can find out more about our services here.
At Right at Home Stevenage, Letchworth and Hitchin, we are always on the look out for ways in which we can support those with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of Dementia. We are proud to support Dementia Friends, and each of our CareGivers are encouraged to participate in their additional training initiatives.
Furthermore, we are actively involved in supporting our Clients with Dementia, and often out CareGivers and Clients attend a local Dementia art activities group, Open ArtBox CIC, where they participate in engaging activities. Our Managing Director, Kurt Gunthardt, also volunteers weekly at a local Dementia support group, run by Hertswise, which offers support and guidance to those with Dementia and their families.
We also fundraise on behalf of Alzheimer's Society; in 2020 we participated in the Memory Walk to raise money, and we aim to participate for the second year running in 2021's festive Elf Day, which has proven to be a fun and creative way to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.
If you are interested in joining us as a CareGiver, or know someone that might benefit from our exceptional Dementia care services, please feel free to get in touch.
01462 559159
