Recognising the Most Common Symptoms of Dementia: What Every Family Needs to Know
Dementia is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, affecting nearly one million people in the UK alone. Yet despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood. For families, recognising the early signs can be both bewildering and frightening. But knowledge is power—and early action matters.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain the most common symptoms of dementia, explore why they happen, and offer practical guidance on what to do if you notice these changes in yourself or a loved one.
“Dementia is not a normal part of ageing—it’s a medical condition that deserves timely, compassionate, and expert care.”
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease. It’s an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause problems with memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. The most common type is Alzheimer’s disease, but others include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
At its heart, dementia involves damage to brain cells that disrupts the way these cells communicate. This can lead to the various symptoms that patients and families notice—sometimes gradually, sometimes suddenly.
Seeking help early, such as through a private memory clinic in London or a Memory Clinic on Harley Street, can lead to faster diagnosis, better management, and improved quality of life.
The Most Common Symptoms of Dementia
1. Memory Loss: Especially Short-Term Memory
Perhaps the most recognised symptom is memory loss. While we all forget things from time to time, dementia-related memory issues are more frequent and impactful. People may:
- Forget recent conversations or events.
- Misplace items in unusual locations—like finding the TV remote in the fridge.
- Repeatedly ask the same question.
“Memory loss in dementia is not simply ‘forgetfulness’—it disrupts daily life and erodes confidence.”
2. Problems with Planning, Organising, or Sequencing
Daily tasks that once seemed automatic—making tea, paying bills, dressing—can suddenly become confusing.
- People may struggle with multi-step activities.
- They may skip essential steps, or abandon tasks halfway through.
This can cause frustration and distress, both for the person and their family.
3. Language Difficulties
Language problems are common. Individuals might:
- Struggle to find the right word.
- Substitute unusual words (“that thing for your hand” instead of “glove”).
- Lose the thread of conversations.
This can lead to social withdrawal or embarrassment.
“As language fades, frustration rises—support and patience from loved ones become essential.”
4. Visuospatial Challenges
Dementia can affect the brain’s ability to process visual information, resulting in:
- Difficulty judging distances or steps.
- Misjudging depth when pouring liquids.
- Getting lost, even in familiar places.
These challenges can increase the risk of falls and accidents.
5. Disorientation in Time and Place
Losing track of time, dates, or locations is another red flag. This might include:
- Forgetting whether it’s morning or evening.
- Not recognising familiar streets or surroundings.
- Confusion about where they are or how they got there.
This symptom is particularly distressing and can make individuals feel unsafe.
6. Poor Judgement and Decision-Making
Cognitive decline often leads to:
- Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather.
- Poor financial choices or vulnerability to scams.
- Risky behaviours, such as leaving the cooker on.
This can place individuals at increased risk of harm.
7. Difficulty Following Conversations or Stories
As dementia progresses, people may find it harder to:
- Follow multi-person conversations.
- Keep track of plotlines in books or TV shows.
This can cause isolation or boredom, as once-loved activities become frustrating.
“It’s not that they’ve lost interest—it’s that their brain is struggling to keep up.”
8. Misplacing Items in Strange Places
Everyone loses their keys now and then. But with dementia, the misplacement is more unusual:
- Finding the iron in the freezer.
- Losing items and accusing others of stealing them.
This can contribute to feelings of paranoia or confusion.
9. Mood and Behaviour Changes
Personality changes can be some of the earliest signs of dementia. A once cheerful person may become:
- Withdrawn or apathetic.
- Anxious, suspicious, or tearful.
- Easily agitated or upset without clear cause.
10. Hallucinations and Delusions
Some types of dementia, particularly Lewy body dementia, cause:
- Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there).
- Delusional thinking (believing something false despite evidence to the contrary).
These can be deeply unsettling and may require medical intervention.
Why Early Recognition and Diagnosis Matter
Timely diagnosis—whether through the NHS or via a private dementia diagnosis on Harley Street—can be life-changing. Here’s why:
- Access to new treatments: Advances such as the New Alzheimer’s Blood Test can now help with earlier diagnosis and tailored treatment.
- Support for decision-making: Early intervention allows individuals to participate in decisions about their future while they still have capacity.
- Better symptom management: Medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes can help slow progression and improve quality of life.
“Early diagnosis of dementia gives people the power to plan, adapt, and access the care they deserve.”
Different Dementias, Different Symptoms
Each type of dementia affects the brain differently:
- Alzheimer’s disease: Memory loss dominates early on.
- Vascular dementia: Sudden or stepwise cognitive decline is common.
- Lewy body dementia: Hallucinations, movement problems, and sleep issues.
- Frontotemporal dementia: Early changes in personality or behaviour rather than memory.
A private cognitive assessment in the UK can help determine the specific type of dementia and guide the right care pathway.
What to Do If You Notice These Signs
If you or a loved one is showing any of these symptoms:
- Don’t ignore it: Early changes may be subtle but recognising them matters.
- See a GP: They can rule out other causes and refer to a memory specialist.
- Consider private assessment: Clinics such as ours offer same-day dementia assessments, detailed cognitive evaluations, and advanced brain imaging.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
A diagnosis of dementia is life-changing, but it is not the end of the road. With the right care, compassionate support, and access to the latest innovations in assessment and treatment, individuals and families can face this journey with greater confidence and resilience.
Our team at the Harley Street memory clinic offers expert, personalised care for patients and their families, including rapid access to diagnostic tests like the New Alzheimer’s Blood Test. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
“Dementia changes lives—but with the right care, lives can still be lived fully, meaningfully, and with dignity.”
