Early Signs of Dementia: What Families Should Look Out For

Spotting the early signs of dementia can feel worrying but recognising them sooner can make a world of difference to wellbeing and long-term support. Families across the North West often reach out to Dovehaven because they’re unsure whether the changes they’re seeing at home are normal ageing or something more.

Here are some of the early indicators that may suggest a person is developing dementia and when it might be time to seek advice.

Changes in Memory

One of the earliest signs is short-term memory loss. You may notice your loved one forgetting recent conversations, misplacing items or repeating the same questions several times.

Difficulty with Everyday Tasks

Tasks they once managed easily (such as cooking, managing money or following a familiar route) may begin to feel overwhelming or confusing.

Communication or Language Struggles

People in the early stages of dementia may find it harder to follow conversations, find the right words or keep track of what’s being discussed.

Changes in Mood or Behaviour

You might see shifts in personality, increased anxiety, low mood or withdrawal from activities they previously enjoyed. Sometimes people become more irritable or unsettled, often because they’re aware something feels different but don’t know why.

Confusion with Time or Place

Losing track of dates, forgetting appointments or becoming confused in once-familiar environments can be signs that something deeper is happening.

What to Do If You’re Worried

If you’re noticing changes, the best next step is to speak to a GP who can arrange assessments or refer your loved one to specialist memory services. You’re not alone in this, millions of families face similar uncertainty, and there is support available.

At Dovehaven, many of our homes specialise in dementia care. Our teams are trained to understand the emotional and practical challenges that come with dementia, offering personalised support to help residents feel safe, valued and connected each day. Through thoughtful tools like NilAqua products, PainChek integration, meaningful activities, and strong community connections, we’re dedicated to creating environments where our residents feel understood, supported, and truly at home.

We have also taken important steps by registering all our homes for the Tier 1 Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT), ensuring our spaces reflect best practice in dementia-friendly design, and by forging links with the Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) to strengthen support for veterans living with dementia across our communities.

For families navigating these early steps, we’re always here to listen, guide and help you explore the right care options when the time comes.

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