What Are The Symptoms of Dementia?

Recognising the signs and symptoms of dementia is an essential step in ensuring that a loved one receives the care and support they need to maintain their quality of life. While the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of dementia and the individual, there are some common indicators to be aware of.

At KYN, our knowledgeable team of dementia care professionals are trained to identify the early signs of living with dementia and provide the appropriate level of care and support to help individuals live their best lives.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Living With Dementia

The early signs and symptoms of living with dementia can be subtle and may be mistaken for normal age-related changes. However, it is important to be aware of these early warning signs, as early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the condition and improve quality of life. Some common early symptoms of living with dementia include:

• Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, names, or conversations
• Difficulty with familiar tasks: Struggling to complete tasks that were once easy, such as cooking or paying bills
• Language problems: Difficulty finding the right words or following conversations
• Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or forgetting how you got somewhere
• Mood changes: Becoming more anxious or irritable than usual
• Poor judgement: Making uncharacteristic decisions or engaging in risky behaviour
• Losing interest: Withdrawing from hobbies, social activities, or work

If you or someone you know is experiencing several of these early warning signs, it is important to talk to a GP. They can perform a physical examination and cognitive tests to help determine if the symptoms are due to living with dementia or another underlying condition.

Symptoms of Different Types of Living With Dementia

While there are some common symptoms of living with dementia, the specific symptoms can vary depending on the type of dementia. Some of the most common types of dementia include:

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for around 62% of cases in the UK. Symptoms of living with Alzheimer's disease may include:

• Memory loss, especially of recent events
• Difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Mood and personality changes
• Difficulty with language and communication

Vascular Dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often due to a stroke or series of mini-strokes. Symptoms of living with vascular dementia may include:

• Difficulty with planning and organising
• Slowed thinking and difficulty concentrating
• Memory loss
• Mood changes, including depression and apathy
• Difficulty with bladder control

Frontotemporal Dementia

Frontotemporal dementia affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, which are responsible for behaviour, personality, and language. Symptoms of living with frontotemporal dementia may include:

• Changes in personality and behaviour, including inappropriate or impulsive behaviour
• Difficulty with language and communication
• Difficulty with planning and organising
• Loss of empathy and social skills
• Compulsive behaviours, such as overeating or hoarding

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. Symptoms of living with dementia with Lewy bodies may include:

• Visual hallucinations
• Fluctuating attention and alertness
• Parkinson's-like symptoms, such as tremors and stiffness
• Difficulty with movement and balance
• REM sleep behaviour disorder, which involves acting out dreams

It is important to note that many people with dementia have mixed dementia, which means they have more than one type of dementia. For example, a person may live with both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

Symptoms in the Later Stages of Living With Dementia

As dementia progresses, the symptoms can intensify and the person may require more support with daily activities. Some common symptoms in the later stages of living with dementia include:

• Memory loss, including forgetting the names of close family members
• Difficulty with communication, including speaking and understanding
• Difficulty with basic activities of daily living, such as dressing and bathing
• Incontinence
• Changes in behaviour, including agitation, aggression, and wandering
• Difficulty with eating and swallowing
• Increased risk of falls and accidents

Caring for someone in the later stages of living with dementia can be difficult, both emotionally and physically. It is important for carers to access support and respite when needed, and to prioritise their own health and well-being.

Dementia Care and Support at KYN

At KYN, our knowledgeable staff is trained to identify the early warning signs of dementia and provide the appropriate level of care and support for each stage of the condition. Our luxurious dementia and nursing care residences across London  provide a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment where individuals with dementia can thrive, surrounded by the care and compassion they deserve. To learn more, call KYN on +44 (0) 20 3535 1923 or email enquiries@kyn.co.uk today to arrange a brochure or visit.