05 May 2023 , 12:51
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Experiencing difficulty with numbers while handling money can be an ignored symptom of dementia.
The warning sign can be spotted during shopping trips or at supermarkets and, though often can be meaningless and not a concern, it is worth remembering if other symptoms are experienced.
Dementia damages the brain and so can cause short-term memory loss.
There are around 55 million people across the world currently living with the condition. It's the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom.
Dementia is a condition that refers to a group of disorders affecting brain functioning - and there are many different types and causes.
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common form, affecting between 50 and 75 per cent of those diagnosed.
Dementia is a condition that refers to a group of disorders affecting brain functioning - and there are many different types and causes (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Dementia robs sufferers of their memory, intelligence and physical strength, and there is currently no cure or way of slowing the fatal condition.
But a second dementia drug has this week been proven to work in a “breakthrough” clinical trial.
A little known warning sign is experiencing difficulty with numbers while handling money in shops.
This occurs as the condition begins to damage the brain.
More signs include:
1. Short term memory loss
A very typical symptom of dementia is short term memory loss, with the most common signs being misplacing essential items like keys, or forgetting what you ate for breakfast.
These day to day occurrences can often be an early indicator, particularly if they are a recurring problem.
2. Loss of interest
Another early sign of dementia is a general loss of interest in day-to-day activities and hobbies that were previously enjoyed.
This is often because dementia affects thought and memory and so the individual may not even consider partaking in the hobby, simply because the thought to do it is no longer there.
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3. Lack of focus
A lack of focus can sometimes be a sign (Getty Images)Feeling disorientated is another early sign of the condition.
Lacking focus and feeling out of sorts can sometimes be a sign of ageing, but it is important to be mindful of how this affects day-to-day activities.
If disorientation occurs frequently and begins to cause distress, it is likely to be a sign of dementia and may be worth consulting a medical professional.
4. Rash decisions
Situations where quick decisions are second nature, can become a struggle for those suffering from dementia.
Any unusual, rash actions that are out of character and are a potential cause for concern are typical for those with dementia.
An example of this would be deciding to take essential belongings to a charity shop or wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the weather.
Poor judgement also encompasses spatial awareness, and therefore clumsiness.
5. Mood swings
Mood swings and getting angry is something to look out for (Getty Images/iStockphoto)This is a change that sufferers are often unable to detect in themselves, but is an indicator that family members can usually pick up on.
As dementia affects judgement and self-awareness, how an individual thinks they are acting or how they see themselves is less of a consideration.
Apathy, in this sense, is another change to look out for.
6. Losing sense of direction
If a loved one suddenly struggles to remember familiar routes, this could be a cause for concern.
Forgetting simple directions or routes to familiar places is a common symptom of dementia and should be monitored, as it can often lead to sufferers getting lost or ending up in dangerous places.
7. Getting confused
Another sign of dementia is difficulty in communicating thoughts and emotions.
Someone with dementia may get confused with wording and struggle to express their point of view naturally, as a result of dementia affecting communication and language.
Skills such as word formation and memory are slowly affected over time and should be discussed with a medical professional if symptoms start to worsen.
8. Familiar tasks becoming challenging
Simple and familiar tasks like making a cup of tea or locking a door can become challenging for those suffering from dementia as brain function and cognitive activity start to deteriorate.
This can occur suddenly or over time and leads to simple tasks or basic routines unexpectedly requiring a lot of thought and energy.
The risk of dementia can accumulate over a lifetime and is partly driven by genetics, which are not possible to change.
A study found that exercise, completing household chores, and visiting family and friends are good ways to reduce your risk of dementia.
Flossing regularly alongside brushing can help ward off your chances of developing dementia, another study suggested.