Recognising the Early Signs of Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that gradually affect memory, thinking, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. It is not a normal part of ageing, even though it is more common in older adults. Spotting the signs early gives you — and the person you are concerned about — more time to plan, access support, and explore treatments that can slow progression.

Across Europe, around 8 million people are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to double by 2050. Whether you are worried about a parent in Lisbon, a neighbour in Lyon, or yourself, knowing what to look for can make a real difference.

It is perfectly normal to occasionally forget where you left your keys or to take a moment to recall a name. An early warning sign is different: it is forgetting recently learned information repeatedly and not being able to retrieve it later. For example, asking the same question several times in the same conversation, or forgetting important dates and events that would normally be very familiar.

Another common early sign is difficulty following a plan or solving problems — such as struggling to follow a recipe you have used for years, or getting confused managing monthly bills. These are not moments of tiredness; they represent a change from the person's usual ability.

Watch for trouble with familiar tasks — for instance, forgetting the rules of a favourite card game or losing track of how to get to a well-known location. Confusion about time and place is also significant: someone might lose track of seasons, dates, or not understand where they are or how they got there.

Changes in mood and personality can also be early indicators. A person might become unusually anxious, suspicious, or withdrawn — particularly in social situations they once enjoyed. In the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland, GPs are specifically trained to recognise these behavioural shifts as potential dementia signals, so do not hesitate to mention them at a routine appointment.

Language difficulties are another sign — struggling to join a conversation, stopping mid-sentence, or repeatedly using the wrong word (for example, calling a watch a 'hand clock'). People may also show poor judgement, such as giving large sums of money to telephone scammers, or neglecting personal hygiene in a way that is out of character.

If you notice several of these signs persisting over weeks rather than days, the right first step is a visit to a GP or family doctor. They can rule out other causes — such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, or depression — that can mimic dementia but are treatable. Getting a proper diagnosis is not something to fear; it is an act of care.

Many European countries have dedicated memory clinics and national dementia helplines. Alzheimer Europe, based in Luxembourg, offers resources in over 30 languages and can point you to national support organisations wherever you are. You do not have to navigate this alone.

“Recognising the signs early is not about labelling someone — it is about opening the door to the right help at the right time.”

Being informed is the most compassionate thing you can do — for someone you love, or for yourself. If something feels different, trust that instinct and take the first small step of speaking to a doctor.