Dementia symptoms are often very mild to begin with and may barely be noticeable
It’s estimated that around 982,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, a figure projected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. The global situation is also expected to deteriorate significantly, with the World Health Organisation predicting a tripling of cases by 2050.
NHS guidelines state that stress, fatigue, certain illnesses and medications can all impact memory. However, if forgetfulness is becoming more frequent, especially for those over 65, it’s advisable to see a GP about potential early signs of dementia.
Dementia isn’t a disease in itself, but rather a group of symptoms resulting from brain damage caused by various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. These symptoms can vary depending on the part of the brain affected.
While different types of dementia affect individuals in unique ways, and everyone with dementia will experience symptoms differently, the NHS has identified several common early symptoms that should prompt a visit to a GP. These are:
- memory loss
- being confused about time and place
- changes in mood
- difficulty following a conversation or finding the appropriate word
- struggling with familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
Symptoms are often mild to begin with and may get worse only very gradually. Dementia signs may not become noticeable to the sufferer, or their family and friends, for some time.
It’s important to see a GP sooner rather than later if you’re worried about memory loss or any other symptoms.
