Understanding Dementia: Early Signs and When to Seek Help

What is Dementia?

Dementia is not a single disease — it's an umbrella term that describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain. These symptoms can include progressive memory loss, difficulty with thinking and problem-solving, changes in language and communication, and altered mood or behaviour.

Dementia Australia estimates that over 400,000 Australians are currently living with dementia, and this number is expected to grow significantly as the population ages. It is the second leading cause of death in Australia and the leading cause of death for women.

It's important to understand that dementia is not a normal part of ageing. While some cognitive changes are common as we get older — like occasionally forgetting a name or misplacing keys — dementia involves persistent, progressive decline that significantly affects daily functioning.

Early Signs to Watch For

Early signs of dementia can be subtle and are often attributed to stress, tiredness, or "just getting older." But recognising these changes early matters — it allows access to support, planning, and interventions that can significantly improve quality of life.

Signs to watch for include:

• Memory changes: increasing forgetfulness, especially about recent events. Forgetting appointments, repeating questions, or losing track of what day it is
• Language difficulties: struggling to find the right words, following conversations becoming harder, or losing the thread of what was being discussed
• Confusion: becoming disoriented in familiar places, losing track of time, or struggling with tasks that were previously routine (like paying bills or following a recipe)
• Mood and personality changes: becoming withdrawn, anxious, suspicious, or irritable. Losing interest in hobbies or social activities
• Impaired judgement: making unusual decisions, neglecting personal hygiene, or giving away money inappropriately

These changes are different from normal ageing. If you notice a pattern of several of these signs in yourself or a loved one — especially if they're getting worse over time — it's worth seeking professional advice.

Common Types of Dementia

There are several types of dementia, each with different causes and characteristics:

• Alzheimer's disease: the most common form, accounting for 60-70% of cases. It involves a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and language
• Vascular dementia: caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke. Symptoms may appear suddenly and can include difficulty with planning, concentration, and processing speed
• Lewy body dementia: characterised by visual hallucinations, movement difficulties similar to Parkinson's disease, and fluctuating alertness
• Frontotemporal dementia: affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, often causing personality and behaviour changes before memory loss

Understanding the type of dementia helps guide treatment, care planning, and what to expect as the condition progresses. A specialist can diagnose the specific type through assessment and sometimes brain imaging.

When to Seek Help

If you or a family member are experiencing persistent changes in memory, thinking, or behaviour, see your GP. Don't wait for it to get worse — the earlier you seek advice, the more options are available.

Your GP can conduct initial cognitive screening, rule out other causes of symptoms (like medication side effects, depression, or vitamin deficiencies), and refer you to a specialist such as a geriatrician or neurologist for further assessment.

You can also contact Dementia Australia on 1800 100 500 for information, support, and connection to local services. They offer counselling, education, support groups, and practical guidance for people living with dementia and their families.

How Evia Health Can Help

Many people with dementia prefer to remain at home in familiar surroundings — and with the right support, this is possible for much longer than many families expect. Evia Health provides nurse-led in-home care that supports people living with dementia across Melbourne's Bayside and South-East suburbs.

Our care includes assistance with daily personal activities, medication management, safety monitoring, meal preparation, and social engagement — all delivered by a consistent team of carers who understand the unique needs of people with dementia. Our registered nurses oversee all care plans and can identify and respond to changes in condition early.

If you're caring for a family member with dementia and need support, get in touch or call us on 0488 689 934. We're here to help — there's no obligation, and we're happy to talk through your options.