What are the early signs of dementia?

DementiaCare Support

1 Dec

Written By Nash & Co Solicitors

Written by Hilary Cragg | Dementia Care | Care Support | 1st December 2021

Old lady looking at phone — The definition of dementia is damage to the brain that affects a person’s day-to-day living and is deteriorating. This can often take the form of both forgetting and confusion. However, the crucial part, **of detecting early signs of dementia, is recognising that something has changed and that that change is permanent**. **Rather than a temporary difference that is recoverable from such as a small isolated stroke.**

Forgetting

The first sign of dementia is forgetting, this can present as:

Not being able to remember some people’s names
Whether or not they have left the oven on, which can lead to food being burnt
Food could also go off in the fridge, because they have forgotten to use it before the best before date
They can also have some word-finding difficulties, as they are slow in remembering the correct word

Which means they can often understand what is being said to them much better than they can respond. Due to hearing words do not require remembering them to say them out loud.

If the person is aware that they are forgetting, they can develop some strategies to try to help them remember. Such as talking to themselves to remind themselves to do things, or leaving post-its around the house to remind them.

Confusion

The second sign of dementia is confusion. They can also experience confusion which is about not understanding their environment. Unfamiliar places can seem quite frightening and even when they are in familiar places, they forget their purpose.

A person with dementia can go to the supermarket, but not remember that their reason to be there is to purchase groceries. Which means they could appear lost.

They can also become physically lost when they have gone a very short distance from home, as their familiar territory becomes increasingly small. There can also be confusion around money. They understand the money is used to buy groceries in the supermarket, but would struggle to find the right coins. So they could hand over notes and wait for the change, but then never use the change in their wallet as it’s too confusing.

Mood Changes

These changed behaviours are likely to impact the person’s mood. They may become upset, angry, sad, or paranoid. If they live with someone who begins compensating for them, they can become very quiet as they become disempowered in their life.

Forgetting and confusion are the two most common symptoms of dementia. Additionally, there can be some more unusual symptoms including hearing issues, issues with sight, and issues with mobility.

The crucial thing to note is that something is different, something has changed and the changes are permanent and deteriorating. The deterioration may be over a long time, so is not necessarily easy to spot within a few months. This deterioration will be ongoing, and the more that time progresses, the more that it will be clear that something is not the same as it was before. Sometimes the diagnosis of dementia can answer this question “what is wrong?”, at the same time, it can be a frightening time to be given a diagnosis.

If you have any concerns that a person may have dementia, or need assistance in planning for the future, please contact Hilary Cragg at Nash & Co.

Speak to a friendly Dementia Care Solicitor

If you would like to learn more about dementia, speak to Hilary Cragg on **01752 827047**, or you can email her **hcragg@nash.co.uk**

Related insights

Insights

How do I apply for NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding offers a lifeline for people who require ongoing care but it’s important you understand how you can obtain it for your loved one when they need it.

How much is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?

When it comes to accessing essential healthcare services, it’s important that you understand the financial aspects. NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding provides comprehensive care support for individuals with significant health needs. However, questions about the costs involved often arise.

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding?

Accessing long-term care for loved ones with complex health needs can be daunting. It’s understandable that you want to do the best for them and ensure they have access to the right medication and treatment. NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding provides a lifeline for those requiring ongoing healthcare support.

What is the Court of Protection and Deputyship?

Making decisions for a loved one who lacks capacity can feel daunting, and understanding the legal structures in place to protect their rights and interests is crucial.

Who can make decisions for someone who lacks capacity?

Navigating decisions for a loved one who may lack capacity when it comes to making decisions can be overwhelming. Understanding who has the authority to make these decisions is crucial for ensuring their well-being and protecting their interests.

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding (CHC) – The Process

Now that CHC has been imbedded with the National Framework for some years now, the CCGs understand much more about the process, but that does not mean that everyone who works in the CHC process does.

NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding (CHC)

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding? It is funding granted by the NHS, which regionally means the local Clinical Commissioning Group.

Frontal Temporal Lobe Dementia

Frontal temporal lobe dementia is a relatively rare form of dementia, it can also be known as Frontotemporal Dementia. It is only approximately 5% of all dementia cases. Some dementias may show damage to the frontal temporal lobe. Therefore, demonstrating some of the attributes of frontal temporal lobe dementia, but not necessarily all of them.

What are the early signs of dementia?

The definition of dementia is damage to the brain that affects a person’s day-to-day living and is deteriorating. This can often take the form of both forgetting and confusion. However, the crucial part, of detecting early signs of dementia, is recognising that something has changed and that that change is permanent. Rather than a temporary difference that is recoverable from such as a small isolated stroke.

When is the right time for someone to go into care?

This seems like such a simple question, but the answer to it is highly complex. Each person who may need to go into care is unique, and their circumstances are as unique as they are. Therefore, each person must have their own circumstances considered as an individual.