Dementia Symptoms: What Families Need to Know About Early and Late-Stage Signs

When a loved one starts showing dementia symptoms, families are often confused and worried. Is it simply ageing, or something more serious? Around one million people in the UK live with dementia, and alarmingly, 1 in 3 affected people are still undiagnosed. Early diagnosis can make all the difference. According to Alzheimer’s Society, 97% of people with a diagnosis say it helped them access support and plan for the future. 

It’s important to recognise the subtle early signs of dementia before they progress. Yet one in ten UK adults cannot name a single common symptom of dementia. Understanding what to look for can help families spot early changes, seek professional guidance, and organise the right home care service sooner.

What Is Dementia and How Does It Affect the Brain?

First, it’s helpful to understand what dementia is. Dementia isn't a specific disease. Think of it as the main name for a group of symptoms that occur when a disease damages a person's brain.

Dementia diseases harm nerve cells, which are tiny messengers in the brain. When these cells are damaged, it becomes harder for the brain to send signals. This damage affects people differently depending on which part of the brain is involved. It often causes cognitive decline, or a gradual loss of cognitive function, including memory, thinking skills, or reasoning.

There are many types of dementia, and each has symptoms specific to it. You have likely heard of Alzheimer's disease, the most common type. But there is also vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. Factors such as high blood pressure or previous strokes put people at risk of developing dementia of this type.

Other forms include Lewy body dementia, which is caused by tiny protein deposits in the brain called Lewy bodies. This type of dementia can cause visual hallucinations and mobility problems. Frontotemporal dementia is another type, and it causes personality changes as an early sign.  A person can also have more than one type of dementia at the same time, a condition known as mixed dementia.

Early Dementia Symptoms to Watch Out For

The early stages of dementia can be very subtle. The early symptoms often develop gradually, making them easy to miss or pass off as just "getting older." While we often think of dementia as affecting older people, early onset dementia (or early onset Alzheimer's disease) can affect people in their middle age.

Common early symptoms of dementia include:

• Memory loss or difficulty remembering recent events.
• Struggling to find the right word in conversation.
• Problems with decision-making or problem-solving.
• Becoming easily disoriented about time or place.
• Changes in mood, such as anxiety or depression.
• Reduced interest in hobbies or social activities.

These early signs can appear in different ways depending on the type of dementia. For instance, people with frontotemporal dementia may show unusual behaviour or emotional distance before any memory problems appear.

 In the elderly, symptoms of dementia vary depending on the individual and the type of dementia, but can include mood changes. People may appear more withdrawn, anxious, or easily upset than before. 

Recognising these early symptoms of dementia is the first step to getting help and support. 

Late-Stage Dementia Symptoms and What to Expect

As dementia progresses, you will likely see more serious changes. These later symptoms of dementia are more challenging for the individual and the family. In the later stages, memory problems usually become more severe. Your loved one may not recognise close family members or their own home, which can be distressing for everyone. Common signs of advanced dementia include:

• Difficulty recognising family members or familiar surroundings.
• Losing the ability to communicate effectively.
• Difficulty walking, frequent falls, or muscle weakness.
• Trouble eating, swallowing, or maintaining a healthy diet.
• Behavioural and psychological symptoms such as agitation, aggression, or mood swings.
• Incontinence and increased sleepiness.

At this stage, your loved one may rely entirely on others for support. They may need help with most everyday tasks, from eating and drinking to personal care. The aim of any care should be to ensure their comfort and dignity. 

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Physical and Emotional Changes You Might Notice at the Early Stages

We often focus on memory, but the early cognitive symptoms are just one part of the picture. Emotional changes and psychological symptoms are also very common and may be among the first things you notice.

Your loved one might experience mood swings, appearing happy and cheerful one moment and tearful or angry the next, often for no clear reason. They might also show less interest in hobbies or social activities they once loved. This withdrawal can be a sign that they are finding social interaction difficult or confusing.

Changes in problem-solving or decision-making are also indicators of dementia. Your loved one may struggle with small things, such as using the TV remote or a familiar kitchen appliance. It can also show up in more serious ways, such as difficulty managing their finances or poor judgment about their spending and personal safety. 

Physical symptoms of dementia can also appear early on. For some types, such as Lewy body dementia, these may include visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there) or frequent falls due to balance problems. People with vascular dementia might show symptoms similar to a small stroke, such as sudden muscle weakness on one side of the body.

It's important to remember that dementia affects everyone in unique ways. A person's symptoms will be specific to them and the type of dementia they have.

What Should Families Do If They Notice Common Symptoms?

If you notice any of these dementia signs and symptoms in a loved one, don’t panic. Instead, make an appointment with the person’s  GP to get advice.

It can be worrying to think about your loved one developing dementia, but getting a correct diagnosis is crucial. It is also important to know that many other treatable conditions can cause dementia like symptoms. For example, vitamin deficiencies, infections (such as a urinary tract infection), thyroid problems, low blood sugar, a past brain injury, or even a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus can all cause symptoms similar to dementia.

The GP will likely ask about the person's daily life, their medical history, and their family history. They will check for risk factors such as high blood pressure and lifestyle choices such as smoking or drinking too much alcohol, as these can affect brain health. They may run some laboratory tests, such as blood tests, and do a memory test to create a full picture of the person’s health. 

Through this process, the doctor will rule out other conditions and diagnose the patient’s difficulties. For complex cases or rare types of dementia, they may refer patients to specialists such as a neurologist or psychiatrist for diagnosis. 

Although frightening, a diagnosis of dementia can also help the patient access early treatment, such as cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease, which may help with symptoms for a time. A diagnosis can also help them and their family plan for the future.

Supporting a Loved One at Home with Dementia

When a loved one is living with dementia, the goal is to maximise their quality of life and independence for as long as possible. A familiar routine in their own home, surrounded by their memories, can be very comforting and reduce confusion.

There are many ways you can help with their day to day life, starting by creating a safe and soothing space. Simple things such as clear labelling on cupboards, good lighting (especially at night), and removing trip hazards like rugs can make a big difference to their safety.

Supporting their health is also key. You can help them maintain a healthy diet and ensure they are drinking enough fluids, as dehydration can make confusion worse. You can also encourage them to take part in mentally stimulating activities. These activities don’t have to be complicated or stressful and may include doing puzzles, listening to music, looking at old photos, or gentle gardening.

It's also vital that family members look after their own health and well-being. Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding, and you cannot pour from an empty cup. This is where professional home care can be a great support, giving you a break and providing skilled help for your loved one. Tiggo Care helps people with dementia manage their daily life at home, assisting with everything from meals and personal care to companionship.

Conclusion

Seeing dementia signs and symptoms in someone you love is a difficult and emotional experience. From the first memory problems to the more complex needs of the later stages, it’s a journey that changes over time. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more prepared and less alone. Remember, common dementia symptoms don’t just affect memory. Changes in mood, concentration, and personality are all-important signals.

At Tiggo Care, we are here to support you and your loved one every step of the way. Our professional care assistants can help with tasks at home, assist with medication routines, and provide compassionate company. We work with you and your family to create a care plan that respects your loved one's needs and helps them live safely and comfortably in the place they know best.

Contact us now to learn more about our dementia care services and how we can help you support your loved one at home with compassion and dignity.