Experts have cautioned that some typical signs of dementia could be mistaken for normal ageing. If you observe any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical advice.

Dementia is characterised by aslow decline in cognitive function, leading to issues such as memory loss, behavioural changes, and mobility problems. Recognising the early warning signs of dementia is vital for ensuring those affected receive the right care and support.

However, distinguishing these signs from the natural ageing process can be challenging. Research conducted by the Alzheimer's Society uncovered a concerning trend.

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Only a third of people report dementia symptoms within the first month of noticing them, whether in themselves or a loved one. The study, which gathered data from 1,100 participants, suggests that uncertainty about whether the observed signs are due to dementia or simply normal age-related decline leads many to remain silent.

"One in three people (33 per cent) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month," the charity reported. Furthermore, the research discovered that only 15 per cent of people take immediate action upon detecting potential dementia signs, while 11 per cent confessed they had not voiced their worries at all, despite identifying early symptoms.

This hesitancy to voice worries can result in delayed medical intervention, with 23 per cent waiting more than six months before consulting a healthcare provider. Early symptoms of dementia, including difficulty following conversations, concentration issues, and memory lapses, are often dismissed as normal signs of ageing, potentially attributed to declining hearing or mere forgetfulness.

However, this assumption could be concealing a much graver illness - a recent study found that 16 per cent of participants admitted they are intentionally "avoiding" seeking a diagnosis owing to concerns about the effect on their relationships. Additionally, the findings showed that 44 per cent worry about being condescended to by carers or family members, who might begin to "talk down" to them.

With this in consideration, seven possible early indicators of dementia include:

• Difficulty following a conversation


• Difficulty concentrating


• Memory loss


• Hearing loss


• Forgetfulness


• Mood swings


• Difficulty moving

Kate Lee, the CEO of Alzheimer's Society, encouraged people to tackle the issue head-on. She said: "We can't continue to avoid the 'd' word – we need to face dementia head on."

She recommended that anyone spotting potential warning signs should use their checklist and speak with their GP. She said: "As soon as you realise something is not right, come to Alzheimer's Society - you can use our symptoms checklist to help have that all-important first chat with your GP."

The charity has highlighted that signs of Alzheimer's and dementia could include:

• Poor judgment and decision-making


• Inability to manage a budget


• Losing track of the date or the season


• Difficulty participating in conversation


• Misplacing items and being unable to retrace steps to find them

Conversely, some typical age-related changes might involve:

• Occasionally making a poor decision


• Forgetting a monthly payment now and then


• Temporarily forgetting the day but remembering it later


• Sometimes struggling to find the appropriate word


• Misplacing items occasionally