21 January 2024 , 21:04
692
0
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia in the UK; it's progressive and symptoms usually develop over a number of years.
Early signs of dementia can be difficult to identify because a lot of the symptoms overlap with common mental health struggles. It can be hard to know how much to worry if you think someone might be different from the last time you saw them.
Early signs of the condition may be mood changes, anxiety or depression - which may be present due to other factors. The NHS reports other factors include memory loss, difficulty concentration, struggles to follow a conversation or find the right words, or becoming confused about time and place.
But, the sooner that symptoms are identified and examined, the sooner treatment can take its course. A neuroscientist, Robert Love, is helping people comprehend what the early warning signs are. The health expert has raked in over 13.2million viewers and 1.8million followers on his TikTok page where he helps people improve their memory.
Robert also advises that doing exercises can help prevent Alzheimer's. He said that doing aerobics for 20 to 30 minutes of aerobics a week reduces risk, as well as weight training could help prevention. He also pointed out that getting plenty of sunshine and eating mushrooms could be good for your brain.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
In one of his latest videos, Robert explained how someone not being able to park straight could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer's. The signs were discovered after work carried out by Dr Daniel Amen. The psychiatrist and brain disorder specialist did brain scans on people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Love said: "The first thing Dr Daniel Amen found was that the parietal lobes started to decay - the parietal lobes are involved in sensory input information. So the early warning sign is people getting lost or people having trouble parking straight."
Love also commented that there is a "surprising" connection between sleep and the disease. "If you don't sleep, your brain does not function correctly. The number one thing is that sleep reduces your risk of depression and anxiety. Depression is a major risk factor for Alzheimer's'. Also sleep is essential for making new memories."
The NHS website states the common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include:
- Memory problems, such as regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces
- Asking questions repetitively
- Increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning
- Becoming confused in unfamiliar environments
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops
- Becoming more withdrawn or anxious
The NHS states: "Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. This is why it's important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you're worried about memory problems or other symptoms. These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually.
"It's often termed "mild cognitive impairment" (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. But some people with MCI will go on to develop dementia."
If you’re worried about your memory or you think you may have dementia, you should see a GP. For more information see the NHS website here.
Do you have a story? Get in touch via [email protected].