Could you recognise the early signs of dementia?
Many symptoms are misunderstood or mistaken for normal ageing. As a result, opportunities for early support can be missed. However, dementia is not a natural part of ageing, and care staff are often the first to notice that something has changed.
What is dementia?
The NHS describes dementia as a group of related symptoms linked to an ongoing decline in how the brain works. There are several types. For example, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia together make up the majority of cases, while other types include Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
Because each type affects the brain differently, dementia can look very different from one person to the next.
Early signs to look out for
According to the NHS, common early symptoms include:
- memory loss
- difficulty concentrating
- finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks
- struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- being confused about time and place
- mood changes
On their own, these changes can be easy to put down to tiredness or getting older. So if you notice a pattern, write down what you see and when, and share it with a senior colleague. The NHS advises talking to a GP sooner rather than later if there are worries about memory or other symptoms.
Behaviour changes are a form of communication
Sometimes the first sign that something is wrong is a change in behaviour, such as agitation, withdrawal or refusing care. It’s tempting to see this as “difficult” behaviour. In fact, it’s often the person’s way of telling us something.
For instance, Alzheimer’s Society points out that a sudden change in behaviour can point to a medical problem, such as pain, infection or delirium. Likewise, someone who becomes upset during personal care may feel scared, threatened or confused. Understanding the triggers behind behaviour of concern helps teams respond with patience rather than frustration.
Sudden confusion is different
Dementia usually develops gradually. Sudden confusion, on the other hand, can be a sign of delirium (acute confusion), and that needs urgent attention.
The NHS lists possible causes such as a urinary tract infection, a stroke, low blood sugar in people with diabetes, a head injury or a reaction to medicines. Its advice is clear: go to A&E or call 999 if someone suddenly becomes confused. So never assume a sudden change is “just their dementia”.
Person-centred support makes the difference
- Know the person. Their history, routines and preferences help you notice change and offer comfort.
- Slow down. Give time to process information, use short sentences and offer simple choices.
- Look for the need. Check for pain, hunger, thirst, tiredness, noise or needing the toilet.
- Keep good records. Clear notes help the team spot patterns and share them with health professionals.
- Stay connected. Meaningful activity and company support wellbeing and confidence.
How training helps
The right knowledge can completely change how we support someone living with dementia. Courses that help include:
- Dementia Advanced (full day): the different types of dementia, acute confusion, Korsakoff’s and behaviour of concern
- Dementia Awareness (half day): a grounding in dementia for the whole team
- Dementia Communication (half day): communicating well with people living with dementia
- Dementia and Behaviour of Concern (full day): understanding and responding safely to behaviour of concern
Sources: NHS, What is dementia?, Symptoms of dementia and Sudden confusion (delirium); Alzheimer’s Society, The later stages of dementia. Correct as of 16 September 2026.
