We often associate dementia with forgetfulness — misplaced keys, forgotten names, or repeating stories. But did you know the body sometimes gives away the earliest clues before the mind does?

Long before memory loss becomes obvious, subtle changes in how someone walks or moves can reveal the first signs of cognitive decline. You might notice slower steps, a slight shuffle, hesitation when turning, or difficulty standing up from a chair. These aren’t just signs of aging — they could be your brain’s way of waving a red flag.

Dementia doesn’t only affect memory. It also impacts motor planning, coordination, and balance — all crucial for safe, independent movement. And this is where physiotherapists step in.

As movement specialists, physiotherapists are trained to spot early changes in gait and stability that others may overlook. More importantly, we can introduce simple, targeted exercises to help maintain mobility and prevent dangerous falls.