When "Just Forgetful" Isn't Just Ageing: How to Spot Early Dementia, and When to Ask for Help

Caring for someone you love can feel like walking a tightrope, especially when their behaviour slowly shifts in small but unsettling ways. 

At Right at Home Stockport (providing dementia care around the greater Stockport community), we often hear family members say things like, "I just thought Mum was getting old." But early signs of dementia can be subtle. As dedicated care workers here, we want to guide you through what to look out for and how we can assist you.

Memory and Daily Tasks Aren’t What They Used to Be

One of the most common early signs of dementia is memory slipping. Your loved one may repeatedly forget recent conversations, ask the same questions repeatedly, or struggle to recall names or events. 

But it’s not just memory - they might also find simple, familiar tasks tougher than before, like paying for shopping, cooking a recipe they once knew by heart, or following a step-by-step routine. It’s easy to attribute this to a “bad day,” but if it keeps happening, it may be more than just forgetfulness.

Time, Place - and Direction - Start to Blur

Imagine your parents gazing out the window at dusk, confused about whether it's morning or evening, or worse, getting lost in a place they’ve known for decades. Disorientation like that - losing track of time, date, or even where they are - is a red flag. 

Spatial difficulties can also creep in. They may misjudge distances, struggle with stairs, or misinterpret what they see. These kinds of perceptual changes can be deeply distressing for everyone involved.

Words Falter; Conversations Frustrate

Language and communication often take a hit. Suddenly, your loved one might struggle to find words, substitute the wrong words, or repeat themselves. They may also drift in and out of conversations or lose the thread entirely. 

These moments are more than awkward pauses - they may be signposts of deeper trouble. Communication is the heartbeat of human connection, and when that becomes harder, it can feel isolating for everyone.

Personality or Mood Changes - Sometimes Dramatically

Perhaps most heart-wrenching of all are the emotional shifts. Someone who was once calm and steady might become irritable or suspicious. They could lose enthusiasm for hobbies, grow anxious, or retreat socially. 

Then there’s a phenomenon called “sundowning” - late in the day, confusion and restlessness worsen, which can lead to pacing, agitation, or even sleep disruption. For carers, this is emotionally exhausting and very difficult to manage without support.

When to Reach Out: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

If you're noticing any of these changes (memory slips, confusion about place or time, communication difficulties, or mood swings), it's more than worth talking to a GP. Remember: these signs don't automatically mean dementia, but they do merit exploration.

We’re here to help. At Right at Home Stockport, our team of compassionate, expert carers specialise in dementia home care services. We support people with dementia and their families with personalised routines, gentle prompts, and safe companionship services.

We know how hard it can feel, but you don't have to go through it alone. Whether you need private home care services now or you're planning ahead, get in touch to talk through how dementia care could make life a little easier. 

Give us a call or drop us a message, and let us walk this journey with you.