Stage 2 Dementia — Mild Cognitive Decline
(Early symptoms become more noticeable)
Overview
Stage 2 dementia includes mild but more visible symptoms than Stage 1.
Daily life is still mostly independent, but memory, focus, and organisation difficulties appear more often and may start affecting confidence.
This is often the stage when families begin to recognise that “something feels different.”
Common Symptoms in Stage 2
1. Frequent Forgetfulness
- Forgetting names of familiar people
- Losing items more often
- Asking the same question repeatedly (not always noticeable yet)
2. Trouble Learning New Information
- Difficulty remembering new routines
- Struggling with unfamiliar places or technology
- Needing more time to understand instructions
3. Noticeable Word-Finding Problems
- Pausing mid-sentence
- Using similar words instead of the correct one
- Saying “you know what I mean” more often
4. Reduced Attention & Mental Fatigue
- Difficulty staying focused for long
- Feeling mentally tired after simple tasks
- Overwhelm in noisy or busy environments
5. Early Decision-Making Problems
- Taking longer to choose items
- Feeling uncertain about simple decisions
- Avoiding complex tasks
6. Emotional & Behavioural Changes
- Mild anxiety or worry about memory
- Irritability, especially when tired
- Becoming quieter in group conversations
7. Small Changes in Daily Life
- Forgetting appointments without reminders
- Needing help organising documents
- Relying heavily on phone reminders, notes, or family support
Impact on Daily Living (Mild–Moderate)
People in Stage 2 may:
- Lose confidence in social situations
- Withdraw from activities that feel stressful
- Repeat stories or questions
- Miss steps in daily routines
- Feel embarrassed about memory slips
Independence is still strong, but support is becoming helpful, especially for organisation and emotional wellbeing.
How Families Can Support
- Use gentle prompts, not corrections
- Provide simple, structured routines
- Reduce clutter and keep items in consistent places
- Encourage calm music to support focus and reduce anxiety
- Break tasks into smaller steps
- Offer reassurance without taking away independence
When to Seek Medical Assessment
A GP or memory clinic can help if symptoms:
- Have continued for 6–12 months
- Cause stress or frustration
- Begin interfering with work or daily routines
Early diagnosis helps with planning, treatment, and confidence.