Three-step approach urged to talk to a loved one about potential early signs of Alzheimer's

A leading dementia nurse has outlined three techniques to speak honestly with a loved one who may be showing early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, framing the approach as practical steps families can take. Dementia remains a major public-health issue in the United Kingdom, with figures suggesting more than a million people are living with the condition and about a third are undiagnosed. The guidance comes as campaigns stress the importance of early detection to help people plan for the future and access support.

Michelle McGowan, an admiral nurse with Dementia UK, urged Britons to tackle the difficult conversation and encourage their loved ones to visit their GP using three methods—acting, explaining and supporting. “There are over 200 types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease,” she told the Daily Mail. “Each type of dementia has a unique set of symptoms which can make identifying whether someone may be exhibiting signs of dementia difficult.”

Acting, one of the three techniques, involves starting the conversation when a loved one suddenly becomes upset or frustrated with themselves, McGowan said. “This can be a good opportunity to have a conversation with them about the symptoms they are experiencing and if they’d like support with seeking help.” The approach is intended to open up dialogue without immediately labeling the situation as dementia, the adviser noted.

Explaining—the second technique—focuses on recognizing that troubling symptoms can have many possible causes. By framing concerns in terms of potential explanations rather than a definitive diagnosis, caregivers may find it easier to guide the person toward a GP. “Approaching it this way makes it less daunting than suggesting they seek a diagnosis of dementia,” McGowan said. She noted that a prompt diagnosis for any potential health condition can ensure loved ones receive the right support sooner and emphasized that while discussions about a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming, early identification is vital for planning future care with the person’s wishes at the forefront.

Supporting is the third technique and can take many forms, from accompanying a loved one to appointments to simply being available for conversation. “Seeking support can be tough, and people will appreciate help in arranging the appointment and attending it,” she added. The aim is to reduce barriers to care and help families navigate the next steps together.

The guidance arrives amid ongoing projections about dementia in the UK. Around 900,000 Britons are currently thought to have the memory-robbing disorder, and University College London researchers estimate this will rise to about 1.7 million within the next two decades as life expectancy increases. That projection represents roughly a 40% uptick from a 2017 forecast. Health officials and researchers reiterate that early diagnosis can improve access to treatments, support services, and planning for care needs.

Beyond the clinical discussions, experts note that memory problems, difficulties with thinking and reasoning, and language issues are common early signs of dementia, which typically worsen over time. In some cases, people with dementia may not recall names or relationships yet still respond emotionally to familiar faces, illustrating how symptoms can present in complex ways.

Researchers have highlighted phenomena that can complicate the lived experience of dementia for families. For example, studies from the University of Pennsylvania describe paradoxical lucidicity, brief episodes in which a person with a progressive neurodegenerative disease briefly regains moments of clarity or communication. These episodes tend to be fleeting and do not reflect an overall change in the disease trajectory. Scientists caution that efforts to recreate such moments are unlikely to alter the underlying progression.

Meanwhile, experts have increasingly examined how families respond when a loved one no longer seems to recognize them. Family therapist and University of Minnesota emeritus professor Dr. Pauline Boss developed the theory of ambiguous loss decades ago, describing how physical or psychological absence can complicate grief for relatives coping with dementia. The framework helps families understand the mixed emotions that can accompany changes in a loved one’s recognition and relationship, guiding caregivers toward ongoing support and adaptation rather than blame or denial.