An early indication of dementia could be mistaken for a common winter condition. If this symptom is observed alongside other warning signs, it might be necessary to consult a doctor.

Dementia is a syndrome characterised by a group of related symptoms that signify an ongoing deterioration of brain functions. This can lead to memory loss, behavioural changes, and even mobility issues. However, the initial stages of dementia can present subtle symptoms which may be misinterpreted as something else.

Dementia UK suggests that one possible early sign of dementia is "low mood, anxiety or depression". Its experts explain: "In the early stages of dementia, people typically start to experience symptoms that affect their everyday living." Yet, low mood or depression can also be symptomatic of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that manifests in the winter months and dissipates come summer.

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The NHSoutlines the following potential symptoms of SAD:

• Low mood


• A lack of interest in things you usually enjoy


• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless


• Feeling restless or irritable


• Difficulty concentrating


• Increased appetite and eating more than usual


• Increased fatigue and sleeping more than usual


• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

Dementia UK also enumerates other potential early indicators of dementia as follows:

• Problems with memory and concentration


• Difficulties with language and communication, such as finding the right words and following conversations


• Difficulties with planning, problem-solving and decision-making


• Getting lost in familiar places due to problems with orientation and a loss of recognition of cues that they usually rely on, such as signs and landmarks


• Changes in behaviour and personality, for example becoming less patient or more withdrawn

The organisation said: "The person with early symptoms of dementia may notice the signs themselves, or family, friends and colleagues may spot them first. Memory problems may not be obvious in the early stages of some types of dementia, like frontotemporal dementia – changes in behaviour and personality may develop first.

"People with young onset dementia (where symptoms develop before the age of 65) are also less likely to experience memory loss as an early symptom."

The charity further highlighted that emotional shifts can indicate two particular forms of dementia: vascular and Lewy body dementia. Vascular dementia might trigger "changes in mood, behaviour and personality" whilst Lewy body dementia could lead to "mood changes, such as anxiety and depression".

Nevertheless, it can be challenging to determine initially whether dementia is behind these warning signs. Dementia UK explained: "Please be aware that many dementia symptoms can also be signs of other physical or mental health conditions, for example thyroid problems, menopause, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, anxiety, work stress or relationship problems.

"This means that having symptoms of dementia does not mean you definitely have the condition. However, if you or someone you know are experiencing signs and symptoms of dementia, it is important to see a GP to establish what may be causing them."

Should you or anyone you know be displaying dementia-like symptoms, it's crucial to consult your GP.