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What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?

Dementia is more than just memory loss. While memory difficulties are often the first symptom people notice, the early signs of dementia can affect many aspects of a person’s thinking, communication, and behaviour. Understanding what to look for can help families, carers, and professionals offer the right support early on.

What Is Dementia?

In this article, we’ll explore the common early signs of dementia and what makes them different from typical age-related changes.

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Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect cognitive function - things like memory, reasoning, language, and perception. It is caused by damage to the brain, and different types of dementia affect different areas, leading to varied symptoms.

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At Activity Circle, we specialise in dementia-friendly activities and training. Through our work with care homes, community groups, and caregivers, we see how recognising early signs can make a real difference to quality of life.

Early Signs of Dementia to Look Out For

1. Short-Term Memory Loss

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One of the earliest and most common signs is forgetting recent events or information.

 

A person may:

  • Ask the same questions repeatedly

  • Forget conversations they just had

  • Misplace items and not be able to retrace steps

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This is different from occasionally forgetting where you left your keys.

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2. Difficulty Finding Words

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People may struggle to find the right word during conversation, or they might use vague terms like “thingy” more often. This can lead to hesitation, frustration, or sentences that don’t quite make sense.

This often relates to changes in the left side of the brain, which controls language.

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3. Problems with Planning or Decision-Making

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Everyday tasks like making a shopping list, cooking, or managing bills may become confusing or overwhelming. These changes are linked to the prefrontal cortex, which manages logical thinking and sequencing.

You may notice someone struggling to follow multi-step instructions or getting lost in routine tasks.

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4. Changes in Mood or Personality

Early dementia can cause subtle shifts in behaviour.

 

A person may become:

  • More anxious or withdrawn

  • Confused in social settings

  • Irritable or easily upset by minor issues

This is often because they are aware something isn’t quite right, which can be distressing.

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5. Losing Track of Time or Place

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People might forget the day or month, or become disoriented in familiar places. They may get confused about where they are or how they got there.

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This is more than just forgetting the date occasionally - it's a disconnection from time or surroundings that affects daily life.

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6. Difficulty Interpreting Visual Information

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Early dementia can affect perception, not just eyesight.

 

This might include:

  • Misjudging distances

  • Seeing shadows as holes

  • Being confused by mirrors or patterns on floors

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This is especially common in types like Lewy Body Dementia or Posterior Cortical Atrophy.

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7. Withdrawal from Activities or Hobbies

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People may stop doing things they used to enjoy, not out of lack of interest, but because it becomes too difficult or confusing. You might notice them pulling away from social events, struggling with hobbies, or seeming less confident.

Is It Dementia or Normal Ageing?

It’s important to note that some changes in memory and thinking are normal with age, such as occasionally forgetting names or taking longer to recall a word.

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But if these changes start to interfere with daily life, it’s time to seek advice. Early diagnosis and support can lead to better outcomes, including access to treatments, community resources, and activity-based interventions like Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST).

When to
Seek Help

If you’re concerned about someone, encourage them to speak to a GP.

 

A professional assessment may involve:

  • A medical history review

  • Cognitive tests

  • Blood tests or brain scans (if needed)

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Early support makes a real difference.

Further Support and Training

Understanding dementia is the first step to offering meaningful support. If you're a caregiver, volunteer, or activity coordinator, our Dementia Knowledgeable Training Course is designed to give you the practical tools and knowledge you need.

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Explore Our Dementia Training Courses

If you're an activity provider, volunteer, or caregiver looking to deepen your knowledge, check out our dementia training courses:

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