Blog

It is estimated that over 944,000 people in the UK are currently living with dementia, and by 2030, that figure will have risen to over 1 million and exceed 1.6 million by 2050, according to NHS England. One in eleven people over the age of 65 in the UK is affected by dementia, according to the House of Lords Library. The condition can affect anyone, with over 70,800 people already living with young onset dementia, where symptoms appear before age 65.

At Angel Carers, we are used to caring for elderly people who are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. We know how upsetting and distressing the symptoms can be – not only for the person experiencing them but also for their loved ones. So, as care workers, it’s our duty to understand the signs and symptoms of dementia so that we can offer the best possible assistance to the elderly people in our care.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for around 60-80% of all dementia cases, with vascular dementia after a stroke being the second most common cause. If you’re worried about a loved one, here are the key signs that could indicate they have Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What are the Early signs of Dementia?

These symptoms can start subtly and progress over time:

• Difficulty with Movement and Daily Tasks:

Daily activities that once came naturally – like making a cup of tea or getting dressed – can become confusing for someone with dementia. They may forget the order of steps or how to carry them out entirely. This decline often extends to physical ability: movements may slow, balance becomes less stable, and falls can occur more frequently. In some cases, tremors may develop, further complicating physical tasks. As dementia progresses, restlessness and agitation may emerge – manifesting as fidgeting, tugging at clothes or bedding, pacing, or following others around. While this can be distressing for caregivers, these behaviours may be attempts to communicate discomfort or the need for stimulation. Providing a tactile item, such as a ‘fiddle’ blanket or sensory muff, can help redirect this energy and bring a sense of calm. These tools are designed to offer comfort and are available through organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society.

• Memory Loss:

One of the hallmark early signs of dementia is memory loss, particularly forgetting recently learned information. A person might repeatedly ask the same question, misplace belongings, or struggle to recall names, dates, or recent events. This memory disruption can affect day-to-day life, especially when they begin to rely increasingly on notes, prompts, or others for assistance with tasks they used to manage independently. These lapses are more than occasional forgetfulness – they signify changes in the brain’s ability to store and retrieve information.

• Planning and Decision-Making Issues:

Complex mental tasks that once felt routine – such as following a recipe, managing finances, or keeping track of appointments – can become difficult. The person may find it harder to focus, follow multi-step processes, or adapt when something unexpected arises. While occasional mistakes are common with age, persistent difficulties in logical thinking or organisation may point to something more serious.

• Communication and Language Problems:

Dementia can interfere with both understanding and expression. Conversations may become difficult to follow, and the person might struggle to find the right word. They may pause mid-sentence or replace forgotten words with unrelated ones, making their speech confusing. This can be frustrating and isolating, both for the individual and for those trying to communicate with them.

• Disorientation in Time and Place and Poor Judgement:

Losing track of dates, time, or location is another common symptom and goes hand-in-hand with poor judgement. A person with dementia might forget where they are, become lost in familiar surroundings, or be unsure how they arrived somewhere. They may also confuse the time of day or fail to understand the passage of time – believing, for example, that it’s morning when it’s actually night.  

• Personality and Emotional Changes:

Mood swings, irritability, suspicion, withdrawal, emotional flatness, depression, and anxiety are common. These changes reflect the brain’s reduced ability to regulate emotions and social responses. They can lead to altered behaviour and affect how the person interacts with others, often causing distress for both the individual and their loved ones.

• Vision and Spatial Problems:

Many people with dementia struggle with spatial awareness and visual processing. They may find it hard to judge distances, steps, or differentiate objects from busy backgrounds. These difficulties increase the risk of falls or accidents. In some types of dementia, like Lewy Body Dementia, individuals may also experience visual hallucinations, which can be confusing or distressing.

• Inappropriate Behaviour:

Dementia can reduce a person’s ability to regulate behaviour, leading to inappropriate actions or comments. This might include making sexually explicit remarks, undressing in public, or using outdated and offensive language. These actions are often misunderstood but are rooted in the loss of judgment and social awareness.

• Clinginess or Shadowing:

Many people with dementia become anxious when separated from loved ones, especially in unfamiliar environments. They may “shadow” family members, following them around the house, or struggle to sit still. This restlessness is sometimes a sign of confusion or fear, and providing reassurance or safe, calming activities can help ease it.

• Sensory Changes:

In addition to visual problems, other senses can be affected. Some individuals may have difficulty recognising food temperatures, develop new or unusual food preferences, or suddenly dislike previously enjoyed meals. Difficulty distinguishing colours or spotting objects in cluttered settings is also common, and these sensory challenges can lead to frustration or safety concerns.

When to Seek Help:

If you notice these signs consistently in a loved one, don’t dismiss them. Early diagnosis allows for timely support and better care planning. While occasional forgetfulness is normal, persistent changes in memory, judgement, or behaviour should prompt a visit to the doctor.

🧭 What To Do If You Notice These Signs

1. Don’t Ignore It

It can be tempting to dismiss symptoms as “just getting older,” but early intervention makes a real difference.

2. Start a Conversation

Gently express your concerns to your loved one. Approach it with kindness and without judgment. For example:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting a few things lately – do you think it might help to talk to a doctor?”

3. Book a GP Appointment

A doctor can assess symptoms, rule out other causes (like stress, depression, or infection), and if needed, refer your loved one for memory testing.

4. Keep a Symptom Journal

Make note of what you observe – when it happens, how often, and any patterns. This will help doctors make an accurate assessment.

5. Reach Out for Support

You don’t need to wait for a formal diagnosis to get help. Professional care and advice can reduce stress and improve quality of life – for both the person affected and their family.

How Angel Carers Supports People with Dementia

We provide compassionate, personalised care to people at all stages of dementia. Our trained carers are experienced in managing memory loss, mood changes, confusion, and more – with patience, respect, and empathy.

🏡 In-Home Care

We provide care in familiar surroundings, helping maintain routine and independence in the comfort of home. Explore Our Services to find the support that’s right for your loved one.

👥 One-to-One Care and Familiar Faces

Our carers build consistent relationships, learning your loved one’s preferences, triggers, and communication styles.

🧩 Mental Engagement and Emotional Support

From meaningful conversation to puzzles, music, or memory games – we aim to keep minds stimulated and spirits lifted.

💜 Dementia‑Focused Support

Our Dementia Care services use best-practice techniques to reassure, reduce anxiety, and help people remain at home with dignity.

👪 Support for Families

We’re here for you, too. Whether you need advice, respite care, or just someone to talk to – Angel Carers is ready to help. Explore our Respite Care options.

📞 Need Support? We’re Here to Help

If you’ve noticed signs of dementia in someone you love, don’t wait.

👉 Contact Angel Carers today on 01308 459204 to talk about how we can support your loved one and your family.

Or email us at contact@angelcarers.com to find out more about our services.

We’re here to listen, guide, and help.

For more information on how to spot 10 Early Signs of Dementia – Common Symptoms & Checklist (agespace.org), or read the NHS page Worried someone has dementia?