Easily missed dementia sign could help people spot disease early
It's a sad fact that one in 11 people over the age of 65 have dementia in the UK - and that number is only increasing as people live longer. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of people living with dementia in the UK will be more than 1 million.
It's a devastating disease that destroys memories, causes erratic behaviour, and robs a person of their personality. The exact cause is not yet fully understood, but it's a progressive condition with symptoms developing gradually over years and becoming more severe.
But now experts have revealed one common dementia symptom that could help people catch disease early.
The sign, highlighted by the Alzheimer's Society, involves day-to-day memory. The society said that while anyone can temporarily misplace a wallet or keys, a person living with dementia may put things in inappropriate places, like an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
Early signs of dementia can also include becoming disorientated with time and space, and even getting lost on a familiar street. People suffering with dementia may also forget how to carry out typical routines like preparing meals or getting dressed.
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Dr Richard Restak, a dementia expert, told the Express that being unable to carry out "purposeful and highly practised actions, such as brushing teeth, despite normal muscle strength and tone" could indicate apraxia, one of the "four impairments" he identifies in Alzheimer's patients.
Writing in his book How To Prevent Dementia, he added: "A person with apraxia may be able to recognise and even name a toothbrush and toothpaste but may be unable to carry out the act (praxis) of squeezing the toothpaste onto the toothbrush."
Dementia, which has around 200 types including Alzheimer's, has no cure. But the decline can be slowed.
TV doctor Dr Michael Mosley, meanwhile, recently advised people to start taking a daily vitamin supplement that boosts your immune system and could help prevent the risk of dementia.
Speaking on his podcast - Just One Thing - Dr Mosley admitted: "I don't usually recommend supplements, but I do make an exception for this one. It's vitamin D. And it can be bought very cheaply - with 400 pills available for less than £8 online meaning they're less than 2p a day."
Vitamin D also has the ability to help ease symptoms of depression, and Mosley broke down exactly why it's such a crucial supplement to integrate into your routine at this time of year.
"It is essential for healthy bones and a properly functioning immune system. And unfortunately, at this time of year in the UK, many of us are deficient in vitamin D, and that's because it just simply isn't bright enough out there to generate vitamin D in our skin."
Studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency can your risk of dementia and Alzheimer's, and recent conducted by the University of Exeter and the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute in Canada showed that taking supplements "found that taking vitamin D was associated with living dementia-free for longer".
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."
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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.
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