News

Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, impacting the daily life of those living with it. Early detection is crucial as it allows for timely intervention, support, and planning. Understanding the early signs of dementia can help individuals and their families seek medical advice and take proactive steps to manage the condition. At Richmond Villages, we provide exceptional care and support for residents with dementia through our specialist, person-centred approach. Here are some common early signs:

Memory Loss Affecting Daily Life

One of the most recognisable early signs of dementia is memory loss, particularly forgetting recently learned information. While it’s normal to occasionally forget names or appointments and remember them later, someone with dementia may forget things more frequently and not remember them later. This can include important dates, events, or asking for the same information repeatedly.

Poor or Decreased Judgment

Those in the early stages of dementia may show poor judgment in making decisions. This can be evident in financial matters, such as giving large sums of money to telemarketers, or personal hygiene, like neglecting to bathe regularly.

Disorientation to Time and Place

Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time is common in early dementia. People may forget where they are or how they got there. They might also have difficulty understanding something if it is not happening immediately.

Difficulty Performing Familiar Tasks

People with dementia often find it challenging to complete daily tasks that they once found easy. This might include trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget, or remembering the rules of a favourite game. They may start tasks but get confused about how to finish them.

Problems with Language

Struggling with language, such as finding the right words or following conversations, can be an early sign of dementia. Individuals might forget simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing hard to understand. For instance, they may call a watch a "hand-clock" or a pen "a write-stick."

Misplacing Things

Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them is another early sign of dementia. Individuals may put things in unusual places, such as placing a wallet in the fridge or a watch in the sugar bowl. This often leads to frustration and accusations of others stealing their belongings.

Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities

A person with early dementia might begin to withdraw from social activities, work projects, or hobbies. They may avoid being social because of the changes they are experiencing. Losing interest in favourite activities or becoming unusually passive can also be indicative of early dementia.

Changes in Mood and Personality

Mood and personality changes are common in early dementia. Individuals may become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They can be easily upset at home, at work, or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.

Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships

For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia. They might have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining colour or contrast, which can cause problems with driving.

Difficulty with Planning and Problem Solving

Those in the early stages of dementia may find it challenging to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They might have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. Concentration can also be affected, making it difficult to focus on tasks.

Recognising the early signs of dementia can be vital in seeking early intervention and support. By being aware of these symptoms, you can take proactive steps to ensure that those affected receive the care and assistance they need. At Richmond Villages, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and creating a supportive environment for our residents with dementia. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing dementia and improving the quality of life for those living with the condition. If you have any concerns or questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information about our services and how we can help, please visit our website, Dementia Care | Richmond Villages (richmond-villages.com) or contact us directly.