Dementia: Alzheimer's Research explain how to get diagnosed
Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common but other causes include vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia is a term given to describe different conditions which affect brain functioning. There’s currently no cure which is why recognising the early symptoms is important. Here are the early signs of the four most common types of dementia. Most people associate dementia with memory loss, but the condition can affect people in a wide variety of ways. Do you know these early symptoms of dementia?
Dementia is the leading cause of death for both men and woman in the UK.
The incidence rate of dementia in Europe and North America has declined by 15 per cent per decade for the past 30 years.
Research has suggested this reception has been driven by improved cardiovascular health in men and reductions in population smoking habits.
What early symptoms can a person spot to ensure dementia does not progress without treatment?
“Different types of dementia are associated with different sleep problems. A person with dementia may keep getting up during the night and may become disorientated when they wake up.”
Dementia symptoms: What are the early signs of the condition that shouldn't be ignored
Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia.
A person with dementia may find it difficult to remember and recall information.
Alzheimer’s Society said on their website: “People with dementia will often experience difficulties with their memory which interfere with their day-to-day activities.
"This memory loss is often due to damage in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which plays a very important role in memory. Damage to different parts of the brain will affect different kinds of memory.”
Difficulty planning or solving problems
A person with dementia may find it difficult to follow a plan and problem-solving may also get more challenging.
Developing a list of alternative strategies and having someone else to look at the situation and give suggestions will help with these problems.
It is probably a good idea to write down all your concerns and future wishes. It will be helpful to those closest to you if you have put in place a plan that incorporates your culture, values and ideas
The early symptom is also associated with the most common cause of dementia - Alzheimer’s disease.
Like dementia, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition, which means the symptoms develop gradually over many years and eventually become more severe.
It affects multiple brain functions. Although it may be distressing to think about it, it is important to make preparations for the future, especially if a person is beginning to show early signs of dementia.
According to Dementia Matters, “It is probably a good idea to write down all your concerns and future wishes.
It will be helpful to those closest to you if you have put in place a plan that incorporates your culture, values and ideas.”