Six crucial questions to ask loved ones if you suspect they have dementia
Over 944,000 people in the UK have dementia, and that number is increasingly growing, according to recent statistics by the NHS. Although there is currently no cure for the brain condition, the right treatment and support can help those with dementia lead active and fulfilled lives and better prepare for the future.
Despite it typically being seen as a condition affecting elderly people, especially those who are 65 years and above, dementia can develop in people as young as 30. So, if your loved one has difficulty making plans or often forgets where they left their keys, it is working asking questions and seeking professional advice and support.
An expert has shared six questions you can ask family and friends if you suspect they may be developing dementia. According to Patrick Holford, director of charity foodforthebrain.org which offers free online cognitive function testing, answering yes to any of these queries is an early warning sign of the brain syndrome:
- Have you got any concerns about your memory?
- Do you forget the names of close friends or relatives?
- Do you forget where you put things more than once per week?
- Do you forget the word that you are looking for more than once per week?
- Do you lose your way outside of your own neighbourhood?
- Would anyone in your family or close friends think that your memory is worse than it used to be?
Patrick told the Mirror: "Any of these scenarios could be early warning signs of dementia: Having concerns about your own memory, forgetting the names of close friends or relatives, forgetting where you have put things more than once a week, forgetting the word that you are looking for more than once weekly or losing your way when you're outside your own neighbourhood. Also if your family or close friends make you aware that they feel your memory is worse than it used to be."
He explained that diet, medical and lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing dementia. "The classic profile of a person more likely to develop dementia would be someone who eats no fish and doesn't supplement fish oils, does little or no exercise, has a bad diet high in sugar, watches too much TV, is socially isolated, prone to depression or has high blood pressure," he said. "There is a vital need for vitamin B12 so vegans or vegetarians who eat no eggs, fish, meat or milk are at risk unless they supplement B12. Also, antacid drugs such as omeprazole, as well as the diabetes drug metformin inhibit B12 absorption."
Family of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be banned
Currently, one in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK and the number with the condition is increasing because we are living longer, the NHS states. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be more than one million who have the illness.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
