What are the early signs of dementia and when should you worry?
Explainer
Dr Tim Rittman
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On 14 November 2025
As a clinician who treats people living with dementia, I’m often asked about whether dementia has any tell-tale signs, and what to do if you’re worried.
Noticing dementia symptoms in yourself or your loved ones is the first step to getting help.
Mild forgetfulness, changes to perception or the way we speak can be early indications that something is wrong.
It’s important to know that these symptoms can have other causes, such as low mood, or the side-effects of medications.
But they could be early signs of dementia.
In its early stages, dementia can be difficult to tell apart from other conditions. Symptoms can be mild and not easy to spot. And that means it can be hard to know how much to worry.
That’s understandable – it’s something many of us know little about.
People need to know more about dementia
A YouGov survey, commissioned by Alzheimer’s Research UK, showed that less than half of participants (49%) could name ‘memory loss’ as an effect of dementia.
Only 12% of the 2,162 participants agreed that dementia causes people to lose their independence. Nearly 1 in 4 people (22%) said they had no idea how the condition impacts people.
These findings are surprising, given how nearly one million people are living with dementia right now in the UK.
And if nothing changes, the condition will affect 1 in 2 of us – either by receiving a diagnosis ourselves, caring for a loved one with dementia, or both.
Why is it important to spot early signs of dementia?
Raising awareness of the early signs of dementia means that people can be referred to a memory clinic for a full assessment and an accurate, timely diagnosis.
Getting an early diagnosis is important because people with dementia and their loved ones can plan for the future, access treatments and the right care and support, and consider taking part in dementia research.
So what are the signs people need to know about?
Here’s an observation list for early signs of dementia:
Problems with memory and thinking
Early on forgetfulness could be mild, affecting memory for places or things that have happened in the past. You may notice someone:
- repeating the same question frequently.
- struggling to remember the name of objects around the house.
- misplacing items, like leaving car keys in the fridge.
- having difficulty concentrating on daily tasks.
- finding it hard to follow the storyline of a TV programme.
Another early sign is changes to perception and awareness. People experiencing memory and thinking problems may have less insight into how symptoms are disrupting their everyday life than the people around them. This is why it’s important for loved ones to notice these changes and take them seriously.
Communication issues
When in conversation you may notice someone:
- pausing or saying they don’t know regularly.
- having problems finding the right word.
- finding difficulty putting sentences together.
These signs can be related to aphasia, a word used to describe problems with understanding words, speaking, reading, and writing. These symptoms can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease, but problems with communication can also be caused by a rarer type of dementia called frontotemporal dementia.
Planning and problem-solving struggles
A person with mild dementia might start:
- missing appointments or needing more reminders.
- struggling with money and managing their finances.
- showing confusion, like not knowing what day it is.
- developing problems with forward planning and following instructions, like shopping and cooking.
Personality changes, emotions and mood
Because changes to mood and emotions happen to all of us from time to time, and overlap with the common symptoms of depression, grief or stress, this can be a harder sign of dementia to spot.
Low mood and anxiety are common early symptoms. People may become anxious about going to new places or meeting others.
In some types of dementia, like frontotemporal dementia, early signs can include:
- changes to behaviour.
- loss of empathy.
- loss of or change in sense of humour.
- becoming angry in a way that’s out of character.
Movement difficulties
Some types of dementia can cause movement symptoms, like dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). These might affect someone before memory and thinking problems start.
Signs to look out for include:
- changes to the way we walk (gait).
- difficulty with coordination.
- increased unsteadiness.
- limb stiffness.
Sight and vision problems
Some people may begin to experience visual disturbances.
These symptoms are common in Alzheimer’s disease, but can be significant issues in two different types of dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and posterior cortical atrophy (PCA – a type of Alzheimer’s disease).
Some visual symptoms in DLB may include:
- hallucinations, like seeing people or objects that aren’t there even though they may look real to the person.
In PCA, visual symptoms involve:
- problems with judging depth, like having difficulty navigating steps or stairs.
- making out shapes, for example struggling to walk on patterned flooring.
What to do next
While everyone’s experience will be unique, spotting early signs of dementia is important.
If you are concerned about symptoms, contact the GP first.
They will run tests to rule out other common conditions that can cause dementia-like symptoms (such as thyroid conditions or vitamin deficiencies).
GPs can also make referrals for further tests if necessary, which can lead to a diagnosis.
Why get a diagnosis for dementia?
Because dementia is caused by different brain diseases, getting a specific diagnosis for dementia can make a big difference in managing the condition.
Before being diagnosed with a disease that causes dementia, someone may be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
While the condition is mild, the person can make decisions for themselves and be supported by loved ones who understand what’s happening.
Dementia treatments can be prescribed for some diseases to help alleviate symptoms too.
And although they’re not yet available on the NHS, treatments that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, like lecanemab and donanemab, have a license to be prescribed privately in the UK.
How Alzheimer’s Research UK can help
You can find more information about different types of dementia and their symptoms, or attend an online public event to learn more about dementia research.
If you have questions about dementia, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis or treatment, contact the Alzheimer’s Research UK Infoline team on 0300 111 5111 (9-5pm Monday to Friday) or email infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org.
About the author
Dr Tim Rittman
Senior Clinical Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and Neurology Consultant at the Addenbrookes Memory Clinic.
Dr Timothy Rittman is a neurology consultant at the Addenbrookes Memory Clinic in Cambridge. This involves seeing people concerned about their memory and thinking to consider whether they have dementia. His research is aimed at finding ways to identify people with early dementia, in particular to make an accurate diagnosis.
I would like to take part in trials to hopefully find a cure in the future even though it may not be in my lifetime
Thank you for your support Beverley.
To find out more about taking part in trials, you can contact our Dementia Research Infoline here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us/dementia-research-infoline/
I am pleased to see that research into Alzheimer’s seems to be bearing fruit and that further progress will come and result in a cure being found – albeit not in my lifetime.
I would like to take part in trials but you might think lm too old at 83.
Dear Margaret,
Please, never say you are too old. Age is but a number. I am quite sure that you are a beautiful soul, with much to offer. Whatever your dear hear desire to, do it.
At 83, you are an inspiration. Keep on keeping on and be blessed always.
Hi Margaret,
Thanks so much for your comment. You’re certainly not too old!
If you’d like to find out more about taking part in research, our Dementia Research Infoline team can help. Contact details here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us/dementia-research-infoline/
Thank you!
Would like to participate in rsearch
Thanks for your interest in taking part in research Leslie! You can find out more and request a callback from our team here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/getting-involved-in-research/
I too would like to participate in research. My husband and I were 80 last year and celebrated our Diamond Wedding Anniversary. My husband has had Alzheimers for over six years and I am his carer. The only legacy we can leave our two children and our two grandsons is for a cure to be found when they are our age. Being a carer is exhausting and has had a negative impact on my mental health. My son is a volunteer in homes and meeting places fwhere people with dementia meet. , He continued to do this throughout the pandemic and has taken part in research. I would like to join him so that future generations can experience a dementia free life.
Hi Maureen,
So sorry to hear about your husband.
Thank you for your comment and your support. Our Dementia Research Infoline team can help you register with the Join Dementia Research – a service that connects volunteers with researchers across the UK who are looking for people to join their studies.
You can request a call back here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/getting-involved-in-research/
I would like to participate in research, I have dementia and it is a scarey situation to be in., so if I can help I want to.
Hi Peter, thanks for your comment. If you would like to take part in dementia research, then please contact our Dementia Research Infoline on 0300 111 5 111 or email infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org
I would like to participate in Dementia Research.
I am 72 in a few weeks time. My mother had dementia in later life. It’s a cruel illness and very debilitating. I worry all the time that I may also get dementia, especially when I can’t recall a famous actor’s name that I used to know. It’s an illness we’ve known about for years and years and for which it has always been said there’s no cure. I’d like to be part of medical research that changes that response for future generations.
Hi Elizabeth, thank you for your comment and interest in research. You can visit our page here https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/getting-involved-in-research/ to find out more information about taking part in research. If you have any questions about taking part in research, please contact our Dementia Research Infoline 0300 111 5111 or infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org
i am sure i have it.
Hi Frances, there are many reasons for memory loss, for example some medications, depression, anxiety and vitamin deficiency can cause forgetfulness. Your GP is the first person you should contact if you have concerns regarding your memory. Depending upon the course of discussion with your GP, they may ask you to take a memory test or refer you for other tests to determine the cause of your forgetfulness. There is more information about getting a dementia diagnosis here https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-information/getting-a-dementia-diagnosis/
I am 55 booked in at a Neuroclinic, George South Africa and received the news today that I have dementia. Would like to participate in your program if possible.
Dear Marilise, many thanks for your comment and sorry to hear about your diagnosis. You can find out more about opportunities to participate in research here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research/getting-involved-in-research/
Hello,
I so appreciate this very interesting and helpful article.I have just found out in the last few days that my Mum at 87 has been experiencing some signs that may be dementia, but also may be delirium from urinary tract infections.
My family and I are anxiously awaiting a meeting next week with a dementia nurse to rule out dementia or Alzheimer’s and I’m hoping and praying that it is just delirium so that she can get the proper attention paid to that and recover fully. May God bless everyone who is suffering and dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and I hope and pray that this will not be the outcome for my darling mother.
Thank you
Hello
I have recently been diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and would be very pleased to be involved in research. I am male, aged 77 and live in Cheshire.
My symptoms are relatively mild, and maybe someone who could be followed for the progression of the symptoms. It might help others in the future, if too late for me.
Regards and good luck to all patients and researchers.
Hi Richard,
Thank you for your comment. I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of vascular dementia.
The best way to find out about taking part in dementia research studies is through a nationwide register called Join Dementia Research. When you register, you provide some personal details about your health, age and contact details. These details are then used to match you to studies that you are suitable to take part in. Research studies are done online and face to face. Once registered, you can log into your account to take part in online studies, and you will be contacted by a researcher if you’re eligible to take part in a face-to-face study.
Join Dementia Research is not a research study itself but a place to find out what studies you can take part in and enrol to take part. Signing up to the register is not a commitment to take part in any particular study, it just allows research studies to find willing volunteers.
You can find out more and register to Join Dementia Research here https://www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk/home, or by calling us on 0300 111 5111 (9-5pm Monday to Friday). The registration process takes 10-15 minutes over the phone.
Hi, thank you for your kind words. You may find Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Forum helpful for connecting with others and sharing experiences and dementia-related advice. It is a supportive online community that you can find out more about here: Dementia Support Forum