stage: 1

Ten things families notice before the diagnosis — and what each one actually means

The 10 most recognised warning signs of dementia are: memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, trouble completing familiar tasks, confusion with time or place, problems with vision or spatial awareness, new difficulties with words in speech or writing, misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps, decreased or poor judgement, withdrawal from social activities, and changes in mood or personality. Not everyone with these symptoms has dementia, as some can be caused by stress, depression, or other treatable conditions. However, if several of these signs are present and are getting worse over time, it is important to see a GP for a proper assessment and early diagnosis.