Early diagnosis of dementia is important for giving timely care and support. This helps not just the individual, but the family also. Dementia is a condition that gradually affects memory, thinking, and behaviour.
Noticing early signs of dementia, like memory loss or confusion, can help in managing the disease. It can also aid you as a family caregiver in supporting those with dementia.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look at the early symptoms of dementia and the importance of getting an early dementia diagnosis.
The early signs of dementia can include:
These common symptoms can sometimes be dismissed as natural ageing. As a loved one, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and the frequency of them to determine whether you need to seek professional help and support.
Getting an early dementia diagnosis ensures your loved ones get the specialist care that they need and you as a family receive support, advice and resources to help you.
As these signs develop, it’s important that you and your family watch out for any changes in behaviour or memory. Monitoring these symptoms can help you understand the progression of the condition. This helps to ensure that your loved one receives the care they need as soon as possible.
At the same time, it’s crucial to remain patient and understanding during this tough time. Dementia can be emotionally challenging for both you and your loved one. Showing empathy and support will make a significant difference in how you all cope with the situation.
Dementia mood swings are common and can be triggered by frustration, fear, or confusion. Your loved one may forget familiar places, people, or even basic facts like the date or time.
These confusions can lead to behaviours such as repetition, social withdrawal, agitation, and accusations. It’s important to know that these changes in behaviour are connected to how dementia affects your loved one’s brain and they are not intentional.
Behavioural changes in dementia are often unpredictable and can include repetition of questions, agitation during late afternoons (sundowning), sleep disturbances, and social withdrawal.
For you and your family, navigating these changes can be challenging. Patience, reassurance, and professional support are important. Belmont Healthcare guides caregivers dealing with such situations, ensuring you and your family know how to respond calmly and empathetically.
If your loved one shows signs of early dementia, it is important to visit a GP to get a dementia diagnosis. They should try and take someone with them, such as a family member or close friend, who can help them and you to understand the symptoms better. That family member or friend can also be there to offer emotional support during the appointment.
The GP will assess their ability to complete daily tasks, like cooking and handling money. Depending on their symptoms, they may need to refer them to a specialist. This could be:
These professionals will identify other causes and determine the type of dementia, enabling early dementia diagnosis and treatment.
An early diagnosis of dementia identifies not only the condition but also the type of dementia. This helps you as the caregivers to plan for future care needs. It can also help the person with dementia to live independently for as long as possible.
An early dementia diagnosis can help to improve your loved one’s quality of life. This is because it allows them to access treatments that may slow progression and ease symptoms.
The emotional strain on you as a family caregiver can be high. Getting a diagnosis early helps you and your family to come to terms with their loved one's diagnosis. It also helps you to get access to resources that provide crucial support.
Belmont Healthcare offers specialised care for those living with dementia and their families. This ensures you and your loved one receive the attention and compassionate care you need.
Belmont Healthcare is dedicated to providing specialised dementia care. We focus on creating a secure, comfortable environment tailored to each person's needs. Our highly trained staff take care of residents in our care homes in Kent and East Sussex.
We help you and your family by providing guidance and emotional support by offering respite care. This helps you balance caregiving with personal wellbeing.
Trust Belmont Healthcare to be your partner in navigating the complexities of dementia care. Learn more about our services by visiting Belmont Healthcare's Dementia Care Services.
For more information on Dementia Care and how Belmont Healthcare can help with an early dementia diagnosis, contact us by calling 0333 444 0121 or emailing enquiries@belmonthealthcare.co.uk.
While there is no cure for dementia, early diagnosis can help slow the progression through various treatments. Belmont Healthcare’s expert team can help guide families through accessing treatments and resources.
You can detect dementia early when memory loss, confusion, and mood swings start affecting daily life. Early diagnosis allows families to plan for the future and receive appropriate care.
Yes, treatments such as medications and lifestyle changes can help slow down the progression of dementia. Early diagnosis is key to starting these interventions as soon as possible.
Seek support from a professional care provider. Belmont Healthcare offers care for individuals with early onset dementia, helping families navigate the journey and providing specialised support.
Our team is always ready to provide you with the assistance you need, you can call us on
