Why a dementia diagnosis matters 

Most of us forget things sometimes. 

We walk into a room and wonder why. We misplace our glasses while wearing them. We confidently open the fridge when we meant to open a cupboard. 

Occasional forgetfulness is part of everyday life. However, when changes in memory, thinking, language or behaviour begin to affect daily activities, they are worth talking about. 

Dementia affects millions of people worldwide and can have a significant impact on individuals, families and carers. While receiving a diagnosis can feel daunting, understanding what’s causing symptoms is often the first step towards accessing support and planning for the future. 

This World Alzheimer’s Month, the theme is The Earlier You Know, the More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters. The campaign aims to challenge the fear and stigma surrounding dementia and highlight how a timely diagnosis can open the door to treatment, information and support. 

 

Dementia is about more than memory 

Dementia is not one specific disease. It’s a collection of symptoms caused by conditions that damage the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, but there are several other types, including vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. 

Different types of dementia can affect people in different ways. 

Early changes might include: 

  • regularly forgetting recent conversations or events 
  • finding it harder to concentrate or make plans 
  • struggling with familiar tasks 
  • losing track of dates, time or places 
  • having difficulty following a conversation 
  • searching for familiar words 
  • becoming more withdrawn, anxious or irritable 
  • noticing changes in judgement, confidence or behaviour 

A single forgotten appointment or misplaced set of keys is unlikely to mean dementia. It is the pattern of change that matters, particularly when difficulties persist, become more noticeable or begin to interfere with everyday life. 

 

“What if I’d rather not know?” 

It’s understandable to feel nervous about seeking help. 

You might worry about what a diagnosis would mean for your independence, relationships, work or future. You might tell yourself that the changes are simply part of getting older. Family members may also avoid the subject because they’re frightened of causing worry or offence. 

But dementia is not a natural part of ageing, and asking for advice does not mean you will automatically receive a dementia diagnosis. 

Memory and thinking difficulties can have other causes, including anxiety, depression, an infection, an underactive thyroid or side effects from medication. Some of these causes can improve with the right treatment. 

Finding out what’s happening is the first step towards receiving the right help. 

 

Why can an earlier diagnosis help? 

A diagnosis may feel frightening, but it can also bring answers. 

It can explain what has been happening 

Not knowing why things feel different can be stressful for everyone involved. 

A diagnosis may help the person and those around them understand why they’re finding certain tasks harder, repeating themselves or behaving differently. It replaces uncertainty and blame with an explanation. 

It can open the door to treatment 

There is currently no cure for the diseases that cause dementia. However, some medicines may help manage symptoms or slow their progression for certain people. 

An earlier diagnosis gives clinicians more opportunity to discuss suitable treatments, monitor other health conditions and help the person live as well as possible. 

It can unlock practical support 

A diagnosis may help someone receive: 

  • support from a memory service or dementia adviser 
  • therapies and local support groups 
  • help to remain independent at home 
  • workplace support or reasonable adjustments 
  • financial benefits and other practical assistance 
  • information and support for family members and carers 

Knowing the type of dementia involved can also help people understand what changes they may experience and which strategies could be most helpful. 

 

It gives people more choice 

An earlier diagnosis allows more time to think about the future while the person can take an active part in decisions. 

This may include talking about: 

  • the support they would prefer 
  • where and how they would like to live 
  • finances and legal arrangements 
  • who they would trust to make decisions if needed 
  • their wishes for future health and care 

These conversations do not all need to happen at once. A diagnosis simply creates more time and space for the person’s voice to remain at the centre of the plan. 

 

What happens when you speak to your GP? 

Your GP is usually the first person to contact if you’re worried about yourself or someone close to you. 

They may ask: 

  • what changes you’ve noticed 
  • when they began 
  • whether they’re becoming more frequent 
  • how they affect everyday activities 
  • about your physical and mental health 
  • which medicines you take 

They may carry out a short assessment of memory and thinking and arrange blood or urine tests to look for other possible causes. Cognitive assessments can explore areas such as memory, concentration, language and awareness of time and place, but their results are considered alongside the wider picture. 

If further assessment is needed, your GP may refer you to a specialist or local memory service. The assessment may involve more detailed questions and tests, and sometimes a CT or MRI brain scan. 

Before the appointment, it may help to write down examples of the changes you’ve noticed. You could also take someone who knows you well. They may be able to describe changes, help you remember information and offer support during the conversation. 

 

How do I raise concerns with someone else? 

Talking to someone about possible memory problems can feel difficult. 

Choose a quiet time when neither of you is rushed. Focus on specific changes rather than immediately suggesting a diagnosis. 

You might say: 

“I’ve noticed you’ve been finding appointments harder to keep track of recently. Have you noticed that too?” 

Listen to how they feel and try to avoid correcting, testing or speaking to them as though they’re a child. 

You could offer to help them make a GP appointment, go with them or write down some examples beforehand. If they’re not ready to talk, you may need to give them some time and return to the conversation gently. 

 

A diagnosis is a beginning, not an ending 

Life does not stop at the point of a dementia diagnosis. 

People may continue working, enjoying hobbies, travelling, spending time with family and contributing to their communities. Experiences vary, but the right treatment, practical strategies and support can help many people remain active and independent for longer. 

The future may look different from the one someone expected, but knowing what’s happening makes it easier to prepare, adapt and ask for help. 

This World Alzheimer’s Month, the message is simple: concerns about memory or thinking deserve to be taken seriously. 

The earlier you know, the more time there is to understand, plan, seek support and focus on living well. 

 

Where to seek help 

Speak to your GP if you’re worried about changes in your own memory or thinking, or encourage someone close to you to make an appointment. 

Sudden confusion is different from gradual changes. If someone becomes suddenly confused, go to A&E or call 999, as they may need immediate medical help. 

Further information and support are available from: 

  • NHS dementia information 
  • Alzheimer’s Society 
  • Dementia UK 
  • Alzheimer’s Research UK