Understanding the early signs of dementia
Recognising the early signs of dementia can be difficult. Many are easy to mistake for the ordinary forgetfulness that comes with a busy life or a poor night's sleep. Yet catching changes early opens the door to support, planning and treatment that can genuinely help.
More than the odd forgotten name
We all misplace our keys or forget why we walked into a room. Dementia tends to be more persistent. It might be forgetting the names of close family, getting lost in familiar streets, or repeating the same question within a short space of time.
Changes in mood and behaviour
Personality changes can appear early. A quietly confident person may become anxious in busy places. A patient parent may become quick to anger. These changes often puzzle families more than the memory loss itself.
What to do next
Start with the GP. A memory assessment is straightforward and there is real value in an early diagnosis. It gives everyone time to plan, to talk and to put the right support in place.
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