Dementia affects individuals differently, and the initial signs are often mild and not easily noticeable.
In the early stages of dementia, many people remain largely independent, requiring only minimal assistance with daily activities. It is crucial to focus on what the person can still do, rather than taking over tasks for them. Instead, assist them by doing things together, such as helping to establish routines, creating reminder lists and prompts, and using technology.
For more information on staying active and engaged, refer to the ‘Keeping Active and Involved’ page.
During this stage, many people choose to make future plans while they still have the mental capacity to do so. This includes creating a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA), and making advance decisions and statements to ensure their wishes and preferences are clear.
Early-Stage Symptoms of Dementia
The early stage of dementia typically lasts about two years and is characterized by the following common symptoms that impact daily life:
- Memory Problems: Difficulties with memory are often the first signs of dementia. A person may forget recent events or frequently misplace items like keys and glasses. Memory loss is usually the primary symptom in early Alzheimer’s disease and is also seen in early vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), though less commonly in frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
- Challenges in Thinking and Planning: Individuals may become easily confused and find it harder to plan, make complex decisions (such as financial ones), or solve problems.
- Language and Communication Issues: A person may struggle to find the right words during conversations or may have difficulty following what is being said. Speech can also be affected, especially if someone with vascular dementia has had a stroke. Certain types of FTD cause specific early problems with language.
- Poor Orientation: A person may have trouble recognizing familiar places and may get lost easily.
- Visual-Perceptual Difficulties: Problems with judging distances, such as when using stairs, are more common in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and DLB than in vascular dementia or FTD. These difficulties are distinct from the visual hallucinations (often of animals or people) that are common in early-stage DLB.
- Mood or Emotional Changes: The individual may become more anxious, frightened, or sad, increasing the risk of depression. Irritability and frustration at lost abilities are also common, as is becoming easily upset. A person may become more withdrawn, lose self-confidence, and lose interest in hobbies or social interactions.
Behavioral changes are not typically early signs of dementia, except in FTD. A person with behavioral variant FTD may exhibit socially inappropriate behavior, act impulsively, and lose empathy for others.
Significant physical changes at this stage are usually limited to DLB, where movement problems resemble Parkinson’s disease. If someone with vascular or mixed dementia has a stroke, it can result in weakened limbs on one side.
For further advice on the progression, signs, and stages of dementia, refer to relevant informational resources.
