Dementia is a progressive condition that can be difficult to spot in its early stages. Here are five ‘early’ symptoms that could indicate you need to see a GP
There are certain warning signs to look out for(Image: wera Rodsawang via Getty Images)
Currently, more than 982,000 Brits are living with dementia, a number that’s expected to rocket to 1.4 million by 2040. Globally, the situation is even more dire, with the World Health Organisation predicting a threefold increase in cases by 2050.
The NHS states that dementia primarily strikes those of advanced age, with the risk roughly doubling every five years post-65. However, some unfortunate people develop dementia earlier, posing unique challenges for the individual, their carer, and their family. In England alone, there are an estimated 540,000 carers for people with dementia.
It’s believed that one in three people will care for someone with dementia during their lifetime. Half of these carers are employed, and it’s thought that around 66,000 individuals have already cut back their working hours to care for a family member, while 50,000 people have quit work entirely.
There are five key symptoms of dementia people should be watching out for and seeking help(Image: PA)
The economic toll associated with dementia is hefty, estimated at £23 billion a year and predicted to triple by 2040. This surpasses the costs of cancer, heart disease, and stroke, according to Bristol Live.
Stewart Mcginn, Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes, has highlighted the crucial importance of recognising early warning signs that could suggest Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). He said: “FTD is a much less common type of dementia which also causes problems with behaviours and language, and typically is diagnosed in people from the age of 45 and up. ” He went on to explain, “FTD is a slow and progressive disease and is sometimes initially misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s or aphasia.”
Mcginn explained that FTD chiefly impacts parts of the brain responsible for personality, behaviour, and language – namely the frontal and temporal areas – meaning symptoms mainly manifest in these regions.
Misplacing belongings
To help with early identification, he outlined several “early” red flags including repeatedly misplacing personal belongings. Whilst it’s perfectly normal for individuals to lose things from time to time, consistent incidents may signal an “early” warning of dementia developing.
Mcginn explained: “This could be continuously losing their glasses or finding items in strange places, like a TV remote in the fridge or food items with the cleaning products,” suggesting that such behaviours serve as alarm bells for dementia.
He additionally noted that those affected may discover that organisational and planning activities become progressively more difficult, whilst sustaining focus grows significantly “harder” as the condition progresses.
Communication Mcginn also highlighted that language difficulties could serve as an early warning sign of dementia, stating: “A sign that can indicate a person is suffering from dementia is having difficulty forming sentences or finding the right words during conversations.”
He continued: “While everyone can forget the odd word from time to time, regularly struggling to remember words or substituting them in sentences with random words can indicate someone is suffering.”
Memory
Memory problems are frequently the most recognisable symptom of the condition, and they’re viewed as one of the initial signs of cognitive decline. “Whether your loved one is constantly forgetting the names of people they know, or is unable to recall recent events or new information learned, it’s best to get them checked out by a doctor,” the expert advised.
Mood
Mood changes are another potential sign of dementia. Mcginn observed: “This can be a person’s mood quickly changing from calm to angry, or emotional, without reason, or if they become generally more withdrawn or anxious,”.
Confusion about time and place
He also referenced confusion about time and place as a symptom to monitor. Whilst it’s normal for people to joke about forgetting why they entered a room, an expert emphasises that with dementia, there are more serious worries.
One specialist highlighted, “For example, your elderly family member might become lost on a street they have walked down their whole life and struggle to find their way home.” The professional went on to explain: “Your loved one might get confused about time, being unable to distinguish between their past and present.”
Delving further into the warning signs, the expert revealed: “This could include confusing family members with people from their past, like their own parents, and struggling to remember people from their present, like their grandchildren.”
If these concerning indicators appear, seeking urgent advice from a GP is absolutely crucial. Following a consultation with a doctor, your loved one could then be referred to the appropriate specialists if the GP deems it necessary.
