Dementia is a severe condition that can have a devastating impact on both the individual affected and their family. It’s a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning, which can lead to memory loss, behavioural changes, and even problems with movement.
Early detection of dementia symptoms and seeking help promptly can significantly improve the support options available for the patient – but this can sometimes be hindered by the fact they could be mistaken for typical signs of getting older.
However, a survey by the Alzheimer’s Society revealed that only one in three people report experiencing dementia symptoms, either in themselves or a loved one, to their doctors within the first month.
The survey, which polled 1,100 individuals, found that many people remained silent because they were unsure whether the symptoms they noticed were indicative of dementia or just normal ageing.
“One in three people (33 percent) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month,” the charity stated.
The survey also found that only 15 percent of people addressed the issue immediately, while 11 percent admitted they had not yet voiced their concerns despite noticing the first symptom.
This delay in reporting symptoms impacts the speed at which individuals can receive help, with 23 percent waiting more than six months before speaking to a medical professional.
Early signs of dementia such as trouble following conversations, issues with concentration, and memory lapses can often be mistaken for typical signs of getting older, like hearing loss or simple forgetfulness.
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This confusion is compounded by the fact that, according to a recent survey, 16 percent of individuals admitted they were deliberately “avoiding” seeking a diagnosis due to fears about the impact on their personal relationships.
With this in mind, seven possible early symptoms of dementia include:
- Difficulty following a conversation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Hearing loss
- Forgetfulness
- Mood swings
- Difficulty moving
Moreover, the survey revealed that 44 percent were concerned they would be patronised by their caregivers or family, who might start to “talk down” to them.
Alzheimer’s Society CEO Kate Lee urged confronting the issue directly: “We can’t continue to avoid the ‘d’ word – we need to face dementia head on.”
She advised anyone noticing signs that something isn’t right to use their symptoms checklist and discuss it with their GP.
“As soon as you realise something is not right, come to Alzheimer’s Society – you can use our symptoms checklist to help have that all-important first chat with your GP,” she said.
According to the charity, signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia can be:
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Inability to manage a budget
- Losing track of the date or the season
- Difficulty having a conversation
- Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
Whereas some typical age-related changes include:
- Making a bad decision once in a while
- Missing a monthly payment
- Forgetting which day it is and remembering it later
- Sometimes forgetting which word to use
- Losing things from time to time