Know the signs, notice the changes
Knowing the signs can help you to recognise if you or a loved one may be experiencing the changes of dementia.
Dementia is often linked to memory loss but there are many changes that can be signs of dementia. It is important to know the signs:
Changes in thinking and memory:
- Forgetting recent events
- Having trouble learning new things
- Struggling to find the right words
- Having a hard time making choices, or making careless or risky choices
- Losing track of time and dates
- Asking the same question a lot, or saying the same things over and over
- Putting things in unusual places.
Changes in daily activities:
- Finding it hard to do day-to-day jobs like cooking, paying bills, planning, shopping
- Changed sleep patterns such as disturbed sleep or sleeping more during the day
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Finding it harder to walk and move, for example, shuffling, feeling stiff or being slow.
Changes in mood and behaviour:
- Feeling unusually sad or hopeless
- Feeling unusually worried, nervous or uneasy
- Losing interest in previously enjoyable hobbies or social events
- Behaving inappropriately or differently to usual
- Feeling restless and walking around a lot.
Checklist for Dementia symptoms and changes.
Being alert to the range of signs and noticing any changes is key to getting an early dementia diagnosis, treatments and support. Download and print the Checklist for dementia symptoms and changes (below) and use it to record any changes you’ve noticed. You can use this checklist to help you to have a conversation with your GP, nurse or health professional as well as your family. Please note, the checklist is not intended to diagnose dementia or any other health condition. There may be other reasons for these changes.
