11/08/2026
As we get older, we’re likely to notice some changes in our mental abilities. For most of us, it’s nothing to worry about.
But dementia is different. It’s not a normal part of getting older.
The first signs of dementia are often small to start with, but get noticeably worse over a matter of months, as opposed to more gradual changes over many years.
Symptoms may start to affect your daily life, making it more difficult to manage everyday tasks and activities by yourself.
Dementia looks different for everyone, but we’ve put together some common ways these symptoms might appear.
By knowing the signs, we can make sure that we don’t brush off or ignore some of the lesser-known symptoms, to help everyone with dementia get a crucial early diagnosis.
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it could be a good idea to check in with your GP. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dementia – just that something might be wrong.
And if you’d like more information or advice, visit our website or give our Dementia Support Line a call on 0333 150 3456.