Stay vigilant for signs of dementia
We have all been so consumed by the uncertainty of the Coronavirus pandemic, that we may not have noticed signs of dementia in our loved-ones.
There are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. More than 209,600 people will develop dementia this year.
Conditions such as dementia haven’t gone away during the pandemic. It’s extremely important to continue to look out for the early signs of the condition and to seek medical attention if you are worried.
You shouldn’t put off a visit to a GP because of the virus as many surgeries are still operating as normal and can hold telephone and virtual appointments as well as face-to-face ones.
Signs of dementia
If anyone notices any of the below issues or changes in their loved-one over a period of time, they should seek medical advice:
- Memory loss – some memory loss in our old age is normal, but if it starts to upset day-to-day living, this could be an early warning sign of dementia
- Difficulty completing tasks that they have had no problems with previously – this can be at home or at work
- Confusion about the time or where they are
- Difficulty speaking or writing when otherwise they would normally not have any trouble
- Putting down objects and forgetting where they have been placed
- Withdrawing from work or social activities
- Mood swings or changes in personality.
As we have an ageing population, it’s so important to empower people with knowledge of conditions such as dementia. It’s also vital to have them diagnosed early.
Having a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean a person has to lose control of their life or independence. Many people continue to live fulfilled and happy lives for many years. We have lots of advice on dementia and living with the condition here.
