The most common dementia type is "Alzheimer's disease" and the warning signs and early symptoms of this disease can be varied. It is important to remember that as we all age it is common that our memory will decline. However, you can pick up some dementia signs if a persons behaviour begins to change and is repetitive.

Alzheimer's disease is progressive and diagnosis should only be performed by a doctor, some warning signs include...

Memory loss

Short and long term memory can be a problem. Forgetting a common phone number, directions or how to turn on an appliance can be common and if repeated can be an early sign of Alzheimers.

Language problems

Look out for any sign of common words being replaced by descriptions. One example may be someone asking "To turn that thing on that we watch on" when talking about the TV.

Direction problems

This one can break your heart, early signs of Alzheimers can be your loved one getting lost at the end of their street or even in their own garden as they can't remember the way home.

Time Awareness problem

We all at times forget the day of the week etc... but another early sign of Alzheimer's may be when the person is unable to identify the different time patterns in the day. They may have visited the local grocer at 10am every day for many years but will now visit the store at 11pm every night dressed in their best clothing forgetting that the store closes at 5pm.

Impaired judgement

Lack of understanding regarding money matters is another warning sign, they will be unable to distinguish between notes and coins value.

Also look out for clothing, if it is a hot sunny day and you have a friend or member of family who continues to wear 3 jackets to go outside or wears little clothing in cold weather then this could be another warning sign.

Misplacing things

Another warning sign that is very common, look out for items being placed in unusual places. An example may be that the cutlery is hidden away in the bedroom cupboard or money is hidden in strange places but the person is unable to remember where they have placed it.

Changes in behaviour

Their personality and behaviour can change rapidly, someone who was kind and gentle throughout their whole life may become aggressive.

A person who takes pride in their home and is always cleaning may become passive and spend many hours sitting looking into space.