Dementia UK outlines key symptoms ahead of free specialist clinics across Northern Ireland

Free dementia support clinics are returning to branches of Nationwide Building Society in Ballymena, Derry, Newry and Bangor this December, with Dementia UK urging people to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of the condition.

Hosted by the charity’s specialist Admiral Nurses, the face-to-face clinics will offer confidential, tailored advice to anyone concerned about dementia—whether for themselves or a loved one. Appointments can be booked online via the Dementia UK website.

The clinics are designed to provide practical and emotional support on every aspect of dementia, including recognising symptoms, navigating the diagnostic process, and understanding how the condition may progress over time.

Ahead of the Northern Ireland appointments, Dementia UK has highlighted the common signs of dementia, cautioning that symptoms can vary widely and are not always memory-related.

Common signs and symptoms of dementia

Dementia UK notes that while memory loss is widely associated with the condition, many people do not realise that early symptoms can appear in other areas as well.

Among the most common signs are:

• Memory problems — increasing forgetfulness, difficulty retaining new information and getting lost in familiar locations

• Changes in cognitive ability — issues with decision-making, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and confusion around time or place

• Communication difficulties — trouble finding the right words, rambling or unclear speech, and using incorrect names for people or objects

• Behaviour and personality changes — heightened agitation, impatience, impulsive or socially inappropriate actions, and increased restlessness such as pacing

The charity emphasises that anyone experiencing these symptoms should make an appointment with their GP as soon as possible.

Dementia UK also acknowledges that seeking help can be difficult. A person may feel fearful, anxious or in denial, but support is available. The charity’s Admiral Nurses are trained to guide families through what can often be a challenging and emotional process.

Supporting communities through Nationwide’s Fairer Futures strategy

The clinics form part of Nationwide’s Fairer Futures social impact strategy, which supports four key social issues: family poverty, youth homelessness, dementia and cancer. The mutual is funding 30 dementia specialist Admiral Nurses and hosting clinics in 200 branches across the UK.

Sarah Cooper, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, said:

“We’re looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland to offer support and advice to families affected by dementia in the area. Our clinic programme, in partnership with Nationwide Building Society, has now been running for over a year which has enabled us to reach thousands of people across the country who need the support of a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse.”

Charlotte Kensett, Director of Customer Experience and Social Impact for Nationwide, added:

“Dementia impacts millions of families and that’s why we’re incredibly proud to have brought life-changing support into 200 of our branches and helped more than 30,000 people through our partnership with Dementia UK.

“As a mutual we believe we have a role to play in strengthening the communities we serve and supporting those most in need. Through our social impact strategy, Nationwide Fairer Futures, we’re committed to changing hundreds of thousands of lives for the better.”

Northern Ireland clinic dates and locations

• Ballymena, 70 Wellington Street, BT43 6AF – 2nd, 3rd and 4th December

• Derry, 11 Ferryquay Street, BT48 6JN – 9th and 10th December

• Newry, Marcus Square, BT34 1JB – 11th December

• Bangor, 76 Main Street, BT20 5AE – 16th, 17th and 18th December

Confidential, in-person appointments can be booked at: www.dementiauk.org/nationwide/