Emma, the wife of Bruce Willis, recently shared the first noticeable symptom of his dementia, sparking a wider conversation about other signs to be vigilant for.

Now the Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s foremost charity dedicated to dementia, has shared six early warning signs that people should look out for as potential indicators of dementia in themselves or a loved one. The charity emphasises the need for anyone experiencing regular issues with memory or thinking to seek assessment from a healthcare professional, helping to debunk the widespread misconception that such symptoms are merely a sign of ageing.

Endorsed by the Royal College of GPs, Alzheimer’s Society’s online symptoms checklist aids individuals in articulating their symptoms to their healthcare provider, facilitating a crucial dementia diagnosis or identifying other contributing health conditions. Here are six signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s to keep an eye out for, according to the Alzheimer’s Society:.

1. Memory loss

For those living with dementia, problems with memory and thinking deteriorate more rapidly than they would typically do with age, with a noticeable decline over months rather than years. For a doctor to diagnose someone with dementia, these symptoms must have become more frequent and significantly impact daily life.

2. Difficulty organising thoughts or staying focused

Tasks that have been a part of their routine for years may suddenly become challenging. They might struggle to perform tasks in the correct sequence, such as attempting to cook pasta before boiling the water. Similarly, if an individual is making a series of poor decisions due to either a change in their ability to process information or a significant personality shift over a short period, it could be an indication that they need to consult their doctor.

During conversations, there might be instances where they seem distracted or start to zone out. While this could lead to some embarrassment, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. However, if they consistently forget the names of everyday items, lose track of words, or quickly lose the thread of a conversation, it could be a sign of dementia.

3. Difficulty with words or communication

As we age, it’s not uncommon to occasionally struggle to find the right word. This is usually a normal part of ageing, particularly if the word comes to mind later on. However, if someone consistently finds it hard to communicate because they can’t recall commonly-used words, or they’re stringing words together in a way that doesn’t make sense, then this could be a sign that something isn’t quite right.

4. Vision problems

It’s completely normal for our eyesight to deteriorate as we age. However, if you’re struggling to read text even with your glasses on, it might be worth mentioning to your GP. Some dementia sufferers have trouble judging distances or seeing edges clearly, leading to trips or falls. Dementia can also cause hallucinations, such as seeing, hearing or smelling things that aren’t there. This is particularly common in those living with dementia with Lewy bodies.

5. Experiencing confusion about location or time

If you find yourself getting lost in familiar places or unable to find your way home, this could be a warning sign and should be discussed with your GP. Some people may also experience ‘time shifts’ for instance, believing they’re still residing in a previous home, especially one where they felt most comfortable.

6. Mood or personality changes

While it’s not expected for anyone to be upbeat all the time, if you’re becoming easily irritable, losing interest in activities, or experiencing extreme mood swings, this could indicate dementia.

Currently, around one million people in the UK are living with dementia. This figure is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. The Alzheimer’s Society provides crucial support for everyone affected by dementia. If you need help and are affected by dementia, call the Alzheimer’s Society’s support line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist.