First signs of DEMENTIA

Knowing the difference between a 'senior moment' and a cause for concern is key to early diagnosis

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Find yourself forgetting why you've gone upstairs? Or maybe you spend 10 minutes looking for your glasses, only to realise they're on your head! While memory lapses are normal, with the number of dementia diagnoses on the rise, it's no wonder it's a worry. Earlier this year, it was announced that Birds of a Feather actor Pauline Quirke was among the 982,000 people in the UK who are currently living with dementia - having been diagnosed in 2021, aged 61. If you are concerned about yourself - or a loved one - our experts reveal everything you need to know about the possible signs, so you can seek medical advice as early as possible.

Finding belongings in strange places

Caught yourself putting cereal in the fridge or losing your phone, only to find it in the laundry basket? This is usually the result of being sleep-deprived or rushed off your feet. However, it is also one of the most common indications of Alzheimer's, which appears to affect more recent memory first. If this sort of incident is becoming more of a habit than a one-off, talk to your GP.

Taking a tumble