The Importance of early detection in dementia assessment

When it comes to dementia, early detection can make all the difference. It can be hard to notice the first signs of dementia, especially since we often chalk things up to normal ageing or forgetfulness. But spotting those signs early on is crucial—not just for your loved one’s health, but also for planning and ensuring the best possible care.

Here’s why early detection of dementia is so important, and what you should look out for.

Why early detection matters

1. Access to treatment and support 

While there’s no cure for dementia, there are treatments available that can slow the progression of symptoms and improve quality of life. The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the sooner these treatments can begin. Early detection allows access to support services like counselling, memory clinics, and carer support, which can make a big difference.

2. Planning for the future 

Dementia affects memory, thinking, and decision-making. By detecting it early, your loved one can participate in important decisions about their future care, finances, and legal matters while they’re still able to do so. It also gives the family more time to understand the condition and put the right plans in place.

3. Better quality of life 

Early diagnosis gives people a chance to make lifestyle changes that could help slow the progression of dementia. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, mental stimulation, and social activities can all have a positive impact. Early detection means there’s time to focus on these activities, helping to maintain independence for longer.

4. Reducing stress for families 

Knowing early on allows families to get the right support and education about what’s ahead. Dementia can be overwhelming, but being prepared helps reduce the stress of the unknown. You’ll have time to learn coping strategies, build a support network, and access resources that can help you provide the best care.

Signs to look out for

Spotting the signs of dementia early is key, but it can be tricky. Everyone forgets things from time to time, so how do you know if it’s something more?

Here are some early signs to be aware of:

• Memory loss: forgetting recent events, names, or asking the same questions repeatedly.

• Difficulty with familiar tasks: struggling to follow recipes, manage money, or keep up with household chores.

• Confusion: becoming easily disoriented, getting lost in familiar places, or having trouble keeping track of time.

• Language problems: trouble finding the right words, forgetting common words, or having difficulty following conversations.

• Changes in mood or behaviour: your loved one may seem more anxious, depressed, or irritable than usual, or their personality might shift in unexpected ways.

If you notice any of these signs in someone, it’s worth speaking to a doctor. While these symptoms don’t always mean dementia, a medical professional can carry out assessments and tests to determine what’s going on.

What happens during a dementia assessment?

If your loved one is showing signs of dementia, the next step is to get an assessment. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial consultation: a doctor will ask about the symptoms, medical history, and any medications being taken. They may also talk to family members to get a clearer picture of what’s going on.

• Cognitive tests: these simple, non-invasive tests help assess memory, problem-solving, and thinking skills.

• Physical examination: a doctor might do some basic health checks to rule out other causes for memory problems, such as vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues.

• Brain scans: in some cases, scans like MRI or CT may be recommended to check for changes in the brain.

The goal of the assessment is to get a clear understanding of whether dementia is present, and if so, what type it might be. From there, doctors can recommend the best course of action, whether that’s treatment, support services, or lifestyle changes.

If you’re worried about a loved one showing signs of dementia, don’t hesitate to seek advice. Catching it early means you can make informed choices, access the right support, and face the future with more confidence.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey - there’s help available every step of the way.