Dementia Expert Reveals 10 Key Signs to Spot Early

A specialist in dementia has highlighted the indicators and manifestations one should watch out for. Approximately one million individuals in the UK are believed to have dementia, but up to a third of these cases may go undetected.

Hollie Wynde from the Alzheimer's Society’s Dementia Support Line has provided insights into what everybody needs to understand regarding dementia. Dementia Action Week From 19 to 25 May, the Alzheimer's Society is encouraging individuals to reach out for assistance if they observe any of these symptoms in either themselves or their close acquaintances.

Dementia comprises a range of symptoms triggered by different disorders that damage the brain. This disorder advances gradually; although early signs might be subtle, they intensify as time passes.

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A chronic condition is indicated up to 40% of the time years ahead through symptoms.

This condition can affect memory, create issues with language and comprehension, bring about behavioral shifts, and lead to confusion along with the requirement for help with daily activities. Dementia isn’t an inevitable part of getting older; instead, it happens due to damage to nerve cells within the brain.

These neurons convey signals between various sections of the brain and to other bodily regions. With an increasing number of nerve cells being impaired, the functionality of the brain diminishes, as reported. the Mirror .

Many illnesses can lead to dementia. Each disease impacts the brain differently, resulting in distinct forms of dementia. Elements like lifestyle choices, age, genetic makeup, and general well-being play a role too.

Indications and manifestations of dementia

Hollie points out that different forms of dementia can have quite varied effects, especially during their onset. Nonetheless, certain typical early indicators and manifestations of dementia do exist.

These include:

Memory loss

Struggling with structuring ideas or maintaining concentration

Issues with using words or expressing oneself

Problems with vision

Feeling puzzled about your location or the time of day.

Alterations in temperament or character

As we get older, it’s common to experience some memory lapses, but for individuals with dementia, these changes are much more severe and greatly impact their everyday activities. If you’re concerned about yourself or somebody near to you, you can assess your symptoms through this process. Alzheimer's Society's symptom checklist.

What distinguishes Alzheimer's from dementia?

More than 200 types of dementia exist, yet Alzheimer’s disease is the most common one. Around two-thirds of individuals in the UK who live with dementia are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The onset of Alzheimer’s disease occurs within the brain many years prior to the emergence of any signs. Early indications are subtle and do not impede daily functions.

Only when these symptoms advance to a serious level does the disorder get classified as 'dementia'.