Different types of dementia can affect people differently. However, there are some common early symptoms which include:
- memory loss
- difficulty concentrating
- finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks
- struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- being confused about time and place
- mood changes
Alzheimer's Society provides more information about dementia, including types of dementia, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Get help and support
If you think someone is showing signs of dementia, please speak to a GP. Your GP can arrange tests to confirm what’s causing their symptoms.
If they suspect you may be developing dementia, they may refer you to the Memory Assessment Service (MAS) provided by Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).
The BSMHFT website provides information about the MAS including:
- who the service is for
- how to access the service
- what happens after an assessment
- patient information
Local services
You can find local support services using the Alzheimer's Society dementia directory.
Alzheimer's Society also provides a local dementia support service called Dementia Connect. You can get in touch by:
- email: birminghamandsolihull@alzheimers.org.uk
- phone: 0333 150 3456
Solihull Adult Social Care
If you find it difficult to live independently or carry out everyday tasks because of your dementia diagnosis, you may be entitled to adult social care.
To find out if you're eligible, you will need to complete an adult social care assessment.
Support for carers
If you provide regular, unpaid care for someone, you may be entitled to support. Please refer to help and advice for carers for more information.
To find out what support you may be entitled to, complete a carer's assessment.
The NHS also has advice about looking after someone with dementia.
National services
There are national services for people with dementia and their loved ones. You can:
- call the Dementia Support Line (run by Alzheimer's Society) on 0333 150 3456
- contact the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline (run by Dementia UK) by:
- phone: 0800 888 6678
- email: helpline@dementiauk.org
- online: Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline enquiry form - Dementia UK
Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide free expert advice and support. Visit Dementia UK for more information.
Advocacy and Lasting Power of Attorney
If you need help to express your views and wishes, find out how an advocate could help.
Many people with dementia often reach a point where they are unable to understand and make their own decisions. This is known as lacking mental capacity.
To help you make decisions, you may choose to appoint a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). More information about what an LPA is and how to appoint one is available on our help to make decisions about your life page.