Memory loss is widely recognised as a hallmark symptom of dementia, but for many people, it may not be the earliest sign. Other warning indicators, such as changes in personality, difficulties with spatial awareness, or behaviour typically attributed to stress or midlife crises, can precede memory problems - yet these are often overlooked or misunderstood as normal ageing.
Dr Dominic Greenyer, a GP at the Health Suite in Leicester, has called on the public to be vigilant for these subtler symptoms. He advises anyone noticing unexplained shifts in themselves or a loved one’s character, behaviours, or ability to interpret visual information to consult their GP and consider a dementia assessment.
“An assessment is not a diagnosis; it’s simply the first step. It can rule out conditions just as easily as it can confirm them,” Dr Greenyer explained.
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He highlights that many people focus solely on memory loss as the definitive sign to watch for, which can unfortunately result in delayed diagnoses. “By the time families relate other changes to potential dementia, valuable months or even years may have passed.”
Dementia encompasses over 100 different types, each potentially presenting differently depending on the brain regions affected. For example, frontotemporal dementia often manifests as personality changes long before any memory issues occur. These changes, such as becoming withdrawn, socially inappropriate, or increasingly inflexible, are frequently mistaken for marital problems, midlife crises, or simply signs of growing older.
Dr Greenyer notes: “It’s understandable that people might attribute these shifts to common life stresses, but postponing medical advice may delay access to support and clarity that a diagnosis can provide.”
Another commonly missed early symptom involves difficulty with visuospatial processing. This can present as trouble judging distances while driving or parking, becoming disoriented in familiar places, or struggling to interpret complex visual scenes. This symptom is linked to a form of Alzheimer’s disease often diagnosed at a younger age than typically expected.
“This sign doesn’t resemble forgetfulness, so people might blame poor eyesight, lack of concentration, or having an ‘off day’, sometimes for many years before seeking help,” Dr Greenyer said.
He emphasises the importance of recognising diverse early symptoms to ensure timely evaluation and support for those affected by dementia.