Did you spot the signs this Christmas?
Christmas is a time of celebration, of seeing loved ones and upholding family traditions. People gather, often for the first time all year, making it the ideal moment to notice that something isn’t quite right with Mum.
Generally, the early stages of Dementia last a whole two years before someone notices increased mental decline. Catching the disease at this time is crucial, as it allows for planning for additional support in the future. Our amazing dementia care team at Wimbledon and Kingston is just one of the many forms this may take.
But what can the early signs of dementia look like?
Memory problems
Dementia, particularly in forms like Alzheimer’s, is a disease which may affect the memory; so, it may seem obvious that gaps in this may be an early warning sign. However, many people assume these signs will always be easy to spot.
In reality, memory loss often begins subtly, starting as small things easily waved off, like forgetting things on shopping lists or losing items around the house. Over time, these minor lapses can develop into more significant memory problems.
Language and communication
Changes in the way a person communicates can be another sign of Dementia. Someone with early Dementia may struggle to find the right word in a conversation or even struggle to follow what is being said.
This may also present as someone who used to be talkative, especially in group settings, now becoming quieter. As a person with dementia becomes increasingly unable to express themselves or struggles to follow conversations, they can lose confidence and become withdrawn, or even become frustrated.
Changes in mood or emotion
Another more obvious sign can be mood changes. Someone with Dementia may become anxious, sad and at risk of depression. If a family member seems more withdrawn, irritable, or emotionally unsettled, this may be due to confusion or frustration with things they no longer understand. Our Care Professionals are fully trained to spot these signs and are often some of the first people who do.
We know that Dementia doesn’t just affect the person who is diagnosed; it affects the whole family. But with early detection and the right support, you can make a real difference to the journey ahead. At Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, we are lucky enough to have our own in-house dementia specialist, Dr Burnie, who is always ready to offer private consultations if you think you may have spotted the signs this Christmas.
