The early symptoms

The early stages of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias can be difficult to diagnose because many of the symptoms are initially subtle or common to other illnesses. Symptoms also vary among individuals and between the various diseases that cause dementia.

As people get older, they start to forget little things, like the names of acquaintances and where they put the car keys. This needn't be a sign of dementia and in a lot of cases it's just that we are growing old and our brains are no longer at their peak.

However, there are some less subtle signs of confusion that may be possible warning signs. These symptoms aren't necessarily signs of dementia, but if they don't stop or you are worried, it's a good idea to consult a GP.

Alzheimer's disease

• Regularly misplacing everyday items, or putting things in odd places - and then forgetting or even denying having done so.
• Problems with everyday tasks; for example, preparing a meal, putting it on the table, but forgetting to eat it and then preparing it all over again.
• General disorientation, such as failing to recognise familiar streets and frequently becoming confused about the time of day.
• Difficulty finding words or using inappropriate words.
• Diminished judgement, for example dressing inappropriately for the weather or being unaware of dangerous situations.
• Mood or behavioural problems which may resemble depression; usually a mixture of agitation, irritability, apathy and lack of care with personal hygiene.

Vascular dementia - including multi-infarct dementia and Binswanger's disease

Generally, the early symptoms are similar to those of Alzheimer's, but the decline often happens in distinct steps rather than gradually.

Lewy Body disease

• Confusion or delirium that fluctuates - sometimes so much so that carers may feel the person is pretending to be confused.
• Persistent hallucinations, usually involving an animate object in the same place - for example of the same person sitting in the same chair.
• Spontaneous Parkinson's disease-type symptoms, such as a tremor or parts of the body becoming rigid.
• Regular falls or a change in the way a person walks.

Fronto-temporal dementia including Pick's disease and primary progressive aphasia

• A rare condition which typically affects people in their 50s and 60s.
• Personality changes, such as a loss of inhibition, rudeness, apathy, impatience, or inappropriate behaviour of which the person is often unaware.
• Loss of emotional warmth and empathy for others. The person may seem selfish and unfeeling.
• A decline in language abilities. At first patients may have trouble remembering or understanding less common words and the names of people.
• Overeating or changes in dietary preference, particularly cravings for sweet food.
• Changes in sexual behaviour.
• The memory remains intact in the early stages, but the decline in communication abilities may give the impression of memory problems.