What are the signs and symptoms of dementia?

As people age, it's natural to experience occasional forgetfulness. Misplacing your keys or forgetting a name from time to time is common. However, when memory changes begin to affect daily life, communication, decision-making or independence, it may be a sign of something more significant.

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. Understanding the signs and symptoms of dementia can help individuals and families seek support sooner, potentially improving quality of life and access to appropriate care.

What is dementia?

Dementia refers to a group of conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are many different types, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

Symptoms often develop gradually and become more noticeable over time. While the experience varies from person to person, there are several common warning signs to look out for.

Early signs and symptoms of dementia

Memory loss that impacts daily life

One of the most recognised symptoms of dementia is ongoing memory loss.

This may include:

• Frequently forgetting recent conversations or events
• Repeating the same questions multiple times
• Relying heavily on notes or reminders for familiar tasks
• Forgetting important appointments
• Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps

While occasional forgetfulness is common, persistent memory problems that interfere with daily activities may warrant further investigation.

Difficulty finding words or following conversations

People living with dementia may struggle to communicate effectively.

Signs can include:

• Difficulty finding the right word
• Pausing frequently during conversations
• Losing track of what is being discussed
• Repeating stories or information
• Withdrawing from social situations because communication has become challenging

These communication difficulties can sometimes be mistaken for normal ageing but may indicate underlying cognitive changes.

Challenges with planning and problem solving

Tasks that require concentration, organisation or decision-making may become increasingly difficult.

Examples include:

• Managing finances or paying bills
• Following recipes or instructions
• Organising appointments
• Managing medications
• Solving problems that were previously straightforward

Someone who has always been highly organised may begin struggling with tasks they once completed with ease.

Confusion about time and place

Another common symptom of dementia is becoming confused about dates, times or locations.

A person may:

• Forget what day or month it is
• Become disoriented in familiar environments
• Lose track of time
• Forget how they arrived somewhere
• Struggle to follow a sequence of events

This confusion can increase safety risks and impact confidence when leaving the home.

Behavioural and emotional signs of dementia

Dementia does not only affect memory and thinking. It can also influence mood, behaviour and personality.

Changes in mood

People living with dementia may experience:

• Increased anxiety
• Depression
• Fearfulness
• Irritability
• Emotional sensitivity

These changes can occur as individuals become aware of cognitive difficulties or as a result of changes occurring within the brain itself.

Personality changes

Family members are often the first to notice personality changes.

This may include:

• Becoming unusually suspicious
• Losing confidence
• Acting out of character
• Becoming withdrawn or less interested in social activities
• Reduced motivation or initiative

These changes can be subtle at first but may become more pronounced over time.

Withdrawal from activities

A person experiencing dementia may stop participating in hobbies, social events or activities they once enjoyed.

This may be due to:

• Difficulty keeping up with conversations
• Reduced confidence
• Memory challenges
• Fatigue associated with cognitive effort

Social withdrawal can contribute to feelings of isolation and reduced wellbeing.

Physical and functional signs of dementia

While dementia primarily affects cognitive function, it can also impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks.

Difficulty completing familiar tasks

Everyday activities may become increasingly challenging.

Examples include:

• Preparing meals
• Using household appliances
• Driving familiar routes
• Managing personal care tasks
• Operating technology and devices

Needing occasional assistance is not uncommon, but significant changes in the ability to perform familiar activities should be taken seriously.

Problems with judgement and decision-making

Dementia can affect reasoning and judgement.

A person may:

• Make unusual financial decisions
• Be more vulnerable to scams
• Neglect personal hygiene
• Dress inappropriately for the weather
• Show reduced awareness of risk

These changes can have meaningful implications for safety and independence.

What is the difference between ageing and dementia?

Many people worry that forgetfulness automatically means dementia. However, normal ageing and dementia are very different.

Normal ageing may involve:

• Occasionally forgetting names but remembering them later
• Misplacing items from time to time
• Being distracted or forgetful when tired or stressed

Dementia may involve:

• Frequently forgetting recent events
• Repeating questions
• Becoming confused in familiar places
• Struggling with everyday tasks
• Significant changes in behaviour or personality

The key difference is that dementia symptoms interfere with daily life and tend to worsen over time.

When should you seek help?

It is important to seek professional advice if you or someone you know is experiencing persistent changes in memory, thinking, behaviour or daily functioning.

Early assessment can help:

• Identify the cause of symptoms
• Access treatment and support sooner
• Plan for future care needs
• Improve quality of life
• Connect individuals and families with helpful services and resources

A GP can conduct an initial assessment and may refer individuals to specialists for further investigation if required.

How allied health can support people living with dementia

A dementia diagnosis does not mean a person must immediately lose their independence. With the right support, many people continue to live active and meaningful lives.

Allied health professionals can play an important role by supporting:

• Mobility and fall prevention
• Home safety and modifications
• Communication and swallowing challenges
• Nutrition and hydration
• Daily living skills
• Cognitive and functional wellbeing

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and dietitians can work alongside individuals, families and care teams to help maintain independence and quality of life for as long as possible.

Understanding the signs of dementia

Recognising the signs and symptoms of dementia can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate the journey alone. Early support can make a meaningful difference to a person's independence, safety and quality of life.

Vivir Healthcare's experienced allied health team provides tailored support for people living with dementia, as well as their families and care teams. Through physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology and dietetics, we can help address challenges related to mobility, communication, nutrition, daily living and overall wellbeing.

Whether you're concerned about recent changes in a loved one's memory or you're looking for strategies to support someone living with dementia, our team is here to help.

Get in touch with Vivir Healthcare today to learn more about our dementia support services and how we can help you or your loved one live well with dementia.