Dementia is a group of symptoms related to the ongoing decline of the brain. Over time this can lead to problems with memory, behaviour and even movement.
It is thought almost one million Britons are currently living with the condition. And this figure is only expected to rise due to our ageing population.
Many of us are aware of some of the well-known symptoms of dementia. These include memory loss, reduced thinking speed and difficulty carrying out everyday tasks.
However, there are some less well-known signs that could be early indicators of the condition. One expert spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk about symptoms to spot in social situations.
Dr Byron Creese, a senior lecturer in psychology at Brunel University in London, has been researching the broader spectrum of dementia symptoms.
He explained: “We know that early diagnosis of dementia is really important to help people get the right support.
“To do that, we need to use every tool at our disposal.
“Blood tests will likely be important in the future, but we also need to understand the full spectrum of symptoms that might give us clues as to who is most at risk.”
He warned of six early signs that should set off alarm bells.
“It is important to look out for behavioural changes such as agitation, aggression, mood changes, anxiety, social withdrawal and changes in behaviour that were not there before,” he said.
“These behavioural symptoms can emerge as new symptoms in older adults who are cognitively normal, and there is emerging evidence that they might be the first sign of an underlying disease like Alzheimer’s in some people.”
These behavioural and personality changes could be more of a giveaway than just memory issues alone.
Dr Creese said: “When these kinds of symptoms occur alongside memory and thinking problems, they seem to signal the greatest risk of dementia compared with memory and thinking complaints alone.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, these symptoms will worsen as the dementia advances.
It says: “As dementia progresses, you may see more changes in the person’s behaviour and find this difficult to manage. Looking at their causes and identifying the person’s needs can help.”
However, it adds: “When a person with dementia starts to behave in ways that seem out of character, some people may assume this is a symptom of the condition itself, which isn’t always the case.
“It’s important to see beyond the behaviour and think about what may be causing it.”
This is because other symptoms such as memory loss and language problems might leave them frustrated, agitated and confused.
“Dementia can affect a person’s personality and habits, which may lead to changes in behaviour,” the charity says.
“For example, they may no longer be able to do things they enjoy or follow their interests without help, or they may experience symptoms of depression.
“Knowing the person – how they react to and deal with things, their preferences, routines and history – can help when it comes to supporting them.”