Six early dementia warning signs - and they're 'not always easy to notice'
People have been reminded of the six early warning signs of dementia, which may help patients seek help early on.
Although there is no cure for dementia, an early diagnosis means its progress can be slowed down in some cases so the person may be able to maintain their mental functions for longer.
A diagnosis also helps people get the correct treatment and support and the people close to them prepare for the future. Despite dementia typically being seen as a condition affecting elderly people, especially those who are 65-years-old and above, it can develop in people as young as 30.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, there are six early warning signs people should look out for and are often relatively mild and not always easy to notice.
Memory problems
Memory problems are the most well known first sign of dementia, such as people not being able to remember where their car keys are in their home.
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The Alzheimer's Society’s website reads: “ Memory loss is often the first and main symptom in early Alzheimer’s disease. It is also seen, although less often, in early vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).”
Difficulties in thinking things through and planning
Becoming confused and finding it difficult to make plans is another of the early signs to look out for, whether it be about finances, problems or just days out with family.
Language and communication
Someone with dementia may struggle to find the right word in a conversation, or they might not follow what is being said. The site says speech can also be affected when someone with vascular dementia has had a stroke.
Getting lost easily
A person may no longer recognise where they are and get lost, even in places which are very familiar to them.
Visual-perceptual difficulties
These problems can cause suffers to have issues judging distances, such as using stairs. They are more common in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and DLB than in vascular dementia or FTD. These are different from the visual hallucinations (often of animals or people).
Changes in mood or emotion
The person may be more anxious, frightened or sad, and so at risk of depression, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. It is also common to become more irritable – perhaps in frustration at lost abilities – or easily upset. A person can often be more withdrawn, lack self-confidence and lose interest in hobbies or people.
Bernadette Mossman, of Vida Healthcare, previously said : “Dementia is a syndrome associated with a decline in cognitive function and ability to remember that impairs daily living, to a point where a person is no longer independent.
“Not only are there several different types of dementia [over 200 subtypes] but symptoms can vary from person to person, which can make it tricky to spot. However, there are some common signs that you should be aware of. Appropriate approaches can still ensure people living with dementia live well and have a good quality of life."
Research shows there are more than 944,000 people in the UK who have dementia. One in 11 people over the age of 65 have it in the UK and the number of people with the condition is increasing because they are living longer. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be more than one million who have the illness.
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