Warning signs of dementia to spot as cases are on the rise, experts warn
What is dementia?
Dementia currently has tens of millions of people in its grip and this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
In fact, the number of cases will almost double every 20 years, reaching 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.
Dr Oscar Lopez, director of the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, told The Mirror: “The prevalence of dementia in general in the population is huge. It’s a time bomb.
“Because people are living longer. From the neck down we’re in really good shape.
“Because we can deal with heart problems very easily but the brain is still at risk of dementia.”
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This daunting prediction makes symptom awareness front and centre.
While dementia affects everyone differently, there are some warning signs to be aware of, according to Dr Nicole Purcell, who also spoke to The Mirror.
According to the two experts, the following symptoms could be pointing to the mind-robbing condition:
- Personality changes
- Changes to the patient’s ability at work
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulties finding the right word
- Difficulty walking.
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Furthermore, the NHS also lists these signs as symptoms to be aware of: memory loss; difficulty concentrating; finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks; being confused about time and place; mood changes.
Dr Lopez explained that people might simply just not feel or seem the same.
He added: “People say, ‘I’m not the same, but I cannot put that in words’.
“Or the family will say he or she is not the same person. They cannot put that in words. Sort of a feeling, that something is different.”
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The NHS recommends talking to a GP “sooner rather than later” if you are worried about dementia symptoms.
The good news is that while some risk factors like age are non-negotiable, there are plenty of lifestyle tweaks that could reduce your risk of the mind-robbing condition.
Following a healthy diet, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol are just some of the effective changes you can make.
The Alzheimer’s Society also recommends staying physically, mentally and socially active.
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