Seven early dementia red flag symptoms easily mistaken for ageing

Dementia is characterised by a progressive decline in brain function, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, behavioural changes, and movement difficulties. Recognising the early signs of dementia is vital to ensuring the affected person gets the care and support they need.

Yet distinguishing these symptoms from normal ageing can be challenging. A survey conducted by the Alzheimer's Society highlighted a concerning trend.

Only a third of people report symptoms of dementia within the first month of noticing them, either in themselves or someone close. The survey, which gathered responses from 1,100 participants, suggests that uncertainty over whether observed symptoms are due to dementia or simply age-related changes leads many to remain silent.

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"One in three people (33 percent) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month," the organisation reported. Furthermore, the survey revealed that a mere 15 percent of individuals act immediately upon spotting potential dementia signs, while 11 percent confessed to not having discussed their worries at all, despite recognising initial symptoms.

This hesitancy to speak up can delay the process of getting support, with 23 percent waiting more than half a year before consulting a healthcare provider. Early dementia signs, which include having trouble following conversations, concentration difficulties, and forgetful moments, are often dismissed as just the usual signs of ageing, possibly attributed to hearing loss or mere forgetfulness.

However, this misunderstanding could be a much more significant issue - a recent poll showed that 16 percent of those surveyed admitted they are actively "avoiding" seeking a diagnosis out of concern for its effects on their personal relationships. Adding to this, the data also uncovered that 44 percent worry about being condescended to by caregivers or family members, who might begin to "talk down" to them.

With this in mind, seven possible early symptoms of dementia include:

• Difficulty following a conversation

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory loss

• Hearing loss

• Forgetfulness

• Mood swings

• Difficulty moving

Kate Lee, the CEO of Alzheimer's Society, is calling people out to acknowledge the challenge head-on. She said: "We can’t continue to avoid the ‘d’ word – we need to face dementia head on."

She recommended that individuals who spot potential symptoms use their checklist and talk to their GP. She said: "As soon as you realise something is not right, come to Alzheimer’s Society - you can use our symptoms checklist to help have that all-important first chat with your GP."

According to the charity, signs of Alzheimer's and dementia can be:

• Poor judgment and decision-making

• Inability to manage a budget

• Losing track of the date or the season

• Difficulty having a conversation

• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them

Whereas some typical age-related changes include:

• Making a bad decision once in a while

• Missing a monthly payment

• Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later

• Sometimes forgetting which word to use

• Losing things from time to time