Dementia - what are the signs and who can help?

Dementia is not a disease but a collection of symptoms.

These can be mild and go unnoticed for a period of time. Early diagnosis and the right support will help maintain quality of life.

Dementia affects everyone in different ways, but people should seek medical advice if they notice that they:

  • Struggle to remember recent events, although they can easily recall things that happened in the past

  • Find it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV

  • Forget the names of friends or everyday objects

  • Cannot recall things they have heard, seen or read

  • Repeat themselves or lose the thread of what they are saying

  • Have problems thinking and reasoning

  • Feel anxious, depressed or angry about their forgetfulness

  • Feel confused even when in a familiar environment

  • Have difficulty with tasks and activities that need planning

  • Become confused in unfamiliar environments

  • Have difficulty finding the right words

  • Show difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops

  • Experience changes in personality and mood

These symptoms are results of damage to the brain. They are often mild and may only get worse very gradually.

  • How to get help

Having a health and social care assessment is one of the first steps to take. The assessment helps people with dementia and those around them get help and support from their local social services department.

Being in a familiar environment can help people with dementia Credit: PA

It is important to look at the care options available for people with dementia. If there is adequate support from family carers and community teams, many people can stay in their own home. A lot of people with dementia will eventually need support in a residential home.

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who work with people with dementia, their families and carers. They aim to improve the quality of life for carers and people with dementia.

There are several charities that can offer excellent advice and support on dementia. See below for the link to their websites.

The Alzheimer's Society also runs the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 11 22