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How To Identify Dementia In A Partner

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Yorkshire and the Humber

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19th February 2025

19th February 2025

In this article, we look at several case studies in which the spouse of someone who developed dementia describes some of the early signs that their husband or wife was developing the condition.

Case 1 – Alison

After a series of falls Alison was referred to a falls clinic and had an MRI scan. Follwing her diagnosis, her husband realised that she had been displaying symptoms for some time and he'd simply failed to spot them.

Alison’s symptoms first appeared during outdoor activities, which she’d previously enjoyed. She suddenly found that she could no longer ride her bicycle and then she began to experience difficulty in walking on uneven ground: on a walk, she found she was no longer able to cope with a loose surface and sometime later she couldn’t walk on anything other than smooth, firm surfaces.

A visit to a pub for a meal out was suddenly confusing and difficult and Alison sat in silence, not eating, talking or drinking. This caused understandable concern for her husband.

At home, Alison began to have problems with the phone, being unable to manage the buttons. Similarly, the cooker was no longer something she could cope with and making a hot drink also became a problem as she struggled with judging the amounts of tea, milk and water to use.

Case 2 – Judith

Judith’s family first noticed signs of Dementia when she was driving and darkness began to fall. Her husband reminded her to put on her lights, but she couldn’t locate the switch. When her husband suggested she pull over to the side of the road, her response was very slow.

Case 3 – Robert

Robert’s wife began to notice he was becoming more reserved and withdrawn. Robert began to avoid social situations and is driving also began to exhibit signs as he started to make wrong turns on familiar journeys. On holiday he was very argumentative and began to forget recent conversations he’d had with family members.

Case 4 – Jamila

Jamila’s husband first began to notice signs of dementia whilst she was still working. Jamila began to forget conversations they had had. She also began to repeat questions and, at work, she opted for a less responsible job.  She began to forget to attend pre-arranged meetings and tasks she had been asked to carry out.

At home, Jamila began to loose the ability to carry out household tasks that required several steps: so cooking, cleaning clothes and making hot drinks became impossible.

Why It’s Important To Seek A Diagnosis

Although there is no cure for dementia, medications can help relieve the symptoms during the early stages. Getting an early diagnosis is therefore very important. Initial symptoms of dementia often include memory issues, repetitiveness during conversations and some confusion and disorientation. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of dementia, please visit your GP as soon as possible.

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