What to do if you suspect someone has dementia

Simple memory loss is a symptom of old age, with a dementia patient there is often an associated cognitive decline, so it’s not simply a case of forgetting something, it could be no longer remembering how to do something, like tie shoelaces for example. Of course dementia can impact people of all ages. Early signs of dementia are quite non specific and do vary between patients. We cover when to be concerned about memory loss in more detail here.

What are the signs of dementia?

If you have noticed a significant decline in a person’s ability to do something, such as remembering how to find a channel on the television, or knowing how to tie a shoe lace, or what order clothes should go in for getting dressed, then it is time to start talking to them about your concerns. Dementia is not simply forgetfulness, it is much more significant that this. 

You might also be noticing a change in their temperament or their emotional behaviour. They may become angry more quickly or tearful. They may be forgetting words or trailing off in sentences, or they may find it difficult to follow simple instructions, where once they would have had no problems. While this may be an upsetting and worrying time, it is important to get as early a diagnosis of dementia, as possible. This is often difficult as dementia diagnosis can come towards the end of the early stages of dementia, when cognitive decline is much more prevalent. We talk about the different stages of dementia in our articles on our Knowledge Base. Search through all of Looking After articles here.

We need to talk

It can be a difficult conversation to have and there are elements of denial or anger, frustration and worry that might creep in. However it is so important to have this discussion with the person that you are concerned about and encourage them to visit their GP. 

Find a space that both of you are comfortable in. A coffee shop in town is not going to be the right location. Talk openly about your concerns, such as patterns or things that you have noticed and ask them how they feel? What they think might be causing it? Do they feel like they are struggling to do something. There are plenty of other illnesses that have symptoms which can mimic some of those of dementia, so it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is dementia. 

Encourage them to visit their GP

Only a doctor an provide a formal diagnosis of dementia and this will be after carryout a range of tests, as there is no one specific test to diagnose dementia with. It is important not to self diagnose but if you do have concerns about someone, we cover some steps to consider in order to get a diagnosis. 

Be prepared for a battle. They may become resistant or refuse to go and visit the doctor, especially if they had not noticed changes in their behaviour, they may be scared by the prospect that they could be ill, or embarrassed at the changes in their behaviour. This is why it is so important to try and have an open conversation and make it as positive as you can.

If they are very resistant to the idea of going to see a doctor, see if there is another reason that you can get them to go. Perhaps a regular check up that they may have. If you are concerned and they won’t let you attend the appointment or be in the doctor’s surgery with them, you can always call ahead to the doctor and discuss your worries or concerns. 

However with such low diagnosis rates in the UK, it is important to be firm with your concerns when you do reach the GP surgery. If you have evidence of the person’s decline, such as a diary, this can support your concerns. You can either discuss this matter with your GP or take it with you if they allow you to attend the appointment with them. Help them by preparing a list of questions to ask the GP. We cover details on the visit to the GP here.