How does your body warn you dementia may be developing?

Noticing small changes in yourself or someone you love can be worrying. Dementia does not usually appear suddenly. Instead, the body and brain often send early, subtle signals long before day-to-day life is affected. Understanding these moments can help you feel more prepared, seek support sooner, and stay in control of what comes next.

How dementia begins

Dementia is an umbrella term for conditions that affect memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday activities. In the very early stages, changes are often gentle and inconsistent. Someone may feel not quite themselves, or family may spot small differences that are hard to describe at first.

According to the NHS, early signs can include changes in memory, mood, concentration, or orientation.

Early cognitive signs your body may give you

Memory changes that feel unusual

It is normal to forget things occasionally. Dementia related changes tend to be more persistent or noticeable. The Alzheimer’s Society explains that people may forget recent conversations, repeat questions, or misplace items more frequently.

Examples might include:

• Forgetting a conversation shortly after it happens
• Struggling to remember recent events
• Misplacing everyday items in unusual places

Every day tasks becoming unexpectedly difficult

Someone may lose confidence with tasks they have always found easy, such as following a recipe, planning a journey, or keeping track of steps in their daily routine.

Moments of confusion

Feeling unsure about the day, time, or place can be one of the earliest noticeable changes. These moments can be fleeting, but they are worth noticing if they start happening more often.

Physical and behavioural signs that may appear early

Although dementia primarily affects thinking and memory, small physical or emotional changes are also common in the early stages.

Shifts in movement or coordination

Some types of dementia can affect the way someone moves or responds physically. The Alzheimer’s Society highlights early symptoms such as balance difficulties or slower movements.

Changes in mood or personality

It is not unusual to feel more anxious, irritable, or withdrawn as the brain changes. Someone may stop enjoying hobbies they once loved or feel overwhelmed by situations they usually find comfortable.

The World Health Organisation recognises these emotional shifts as early warning signs.

Differences in judgment or decision-making

You may notice unusual spending, riskier choices, or difficulty weighing up everyday decisions.

Different types of dementia

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of the well-known forms of dementia. The onset is usually very slow, making it difficult to determine whether or not your loved one has a problem, at least in the early stages.

Those living with Alzheimer’s usually experience difficulties in remembering names or recalling recent events. They may ask the same question repeatedly and struggle to find the correct words to use. Some Alzheimer’s patients find it difficult to cope with financial transactions, and many of them find it hard to plan or organise tasks.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia seen in the UK and is commonly triggered by a stroke or mini-stroke. Many of the symptoms are similar to Alzheimer’s, such as cognitive disorientation, memory loss and difficulty communicating, but other symptoms will also be present, depending on the area of the brain that is affected.

Many of those with vascular dementia have trouble processing new information, and struggle with reasoning and paying attention. They may experience bouts of apathy or become more emotional than usual.

Look out for changes in the way your loved one walks and moves, as this could be an indication that something is wrong. Frequent bladder problems are another indicator that your loved one may be experiencing vascular dementia.

Lewy body dementia

Those experiencing Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) will show many of the most common dementia symptoms – such as problems with spatial awareness and memory loss.

If your loved one develops this form of dementia, you may see a change in their alertness, along with symptoms more commonly associated with Parkinson’s Disease, such as tremors, muscle stiffness and slower movements than usual.

Some people with DLB experience disturbances with their sleep patterns, and even visual hallucinations, while another symptom is a tendency to faint, leading to potential falls. DLB usually progresses slowly.

Frontotemporal dementia

Commonly known as FTD, frontotemporal dementia causes symptoms associated with the particular area of the brain which is affected. Some of those living with it will experience problems relating to social behaviour, while others may struggle with processing language or facts.

You may see changes in your loved one’s personality, such as an inability to behave appropriately, for example, or your loved one may lose interest in personal hygiene.

Subtle signs that families often overlook

Some early signals can be mistaken for tiredness, stress, or ageing:

• Finding conversations harder to follow
• Feeling mentally slower or foggy
• Losing track of tasks partway through
• Putting items in unexpected places
• Small changes in confidence or engagement

The NHS explains that these may sit under mild cognitive impairment, which does not always lead to dementia, but should be monitored.

Why noticing early signs matters

Early recognition can make a real difference. According to the NHS and WHO, getting support sooner can help people:

• Maintain independence for longer
• Access treatments and therapies
• Make informed decisions about the future
• Put plans in place with clarity and confidence
• Avoid stressful or crisis-driven situations

Early reassurance and support can transform how someone feels day to day.

When to speak to a GP

Reach out for medical advice if you notice changes that:

• Happen regularly
• Feel unusual or out of character
• Begin to affect daily life or independence

A GP can offer reassurance, carry out initial assessments, or arrange specialist support if needed.

What to do if you are concerned

Have an open conversation

Talking about early changes can feel daunting. Many people feel relieved once they share their worries.

Keep notes of symptoms

A simple diary helps you spot patterns and gives GPs clearer information.

Reach out to friends or family

They may have noticed similar things and can offer emotional support.

Explore support options early

Care is not only for later stages. Small adjustments now can make life easier and safer.

Supporting a loved one through early signs

Families often find that small changes make a big difference:

• Keeping a consistent daily routine
• Using notes, labels, or reminders
• Staying socially and mentally active
• Encouraging gentle physical activity
• Making small home adjustments for safety

A supportive and calm environment helps maintain independence and confidence.

Planning ahead

Following a dementia diagnosis, you should start planning ahead. Think about putting lasting power of attorney in place – this can help ensure your loved one’s wishes are acted upon even when they lack the mental capacity to make big decisions themselves.

Another area you should start considering is care options. It’s best to discuss this with your loved one before their condition progresses, even if this is a difficult conversation to have.

It’s important to get an understanding of their wishes regarding extra support – they may want to continue living at home, with live-in care for example, or they may be happier going to a local care home.

In summary

Your body often gives gentle signals long before dementia becomes obvious. Noticing these early changes does not mean jumping to conclusions. It simply means paying attention. With the right support, many people continue living comfortably and independently for years.