Today marks World Alzheimer’s Day, a significant date dedicated to raising awareness and offering support for individuals and families coping with the disease. Alzheimer’s is a prevalent type of dementia and the leading cause of death in the UK.
The term ‘dementia’ encompasses various symptoms like memory deterioration, confusion, and problems with speech and understanding. Alzheimer’s disease, as the primary cause of dementia, occurs due to damage to brain cells, progressively worsening the symptoms. With nearly one million people in the UK currently living with dementia, projections by Alzheimer’s Research UK suggest this figure will soar to over 1.7 million by 2024.
Although presently incurable, early detection of dementia can dramatically enhance life through medication, support, and compassionate care services. Hence, it’s vital not only to watch for common signs but also to recognize subtler indicators. Therefore, it’s crucial to be vigilant not only for the most common symptoms but also for those that are less apparent. In a recent TikTok video, @thinkwelllabs, who regularly share videos about brain health, shared “three early warning signs of Alzheimer’s”. These three symptoms can be spotted when you’re talking to loved ones, especially if you see them regularly.
The online content creator emphasised the importance of monitoring behavioural changes, advising: “Forgetting recently learned information, to the point where it disrupts regular life.”
They also highlighted the need to be vigilant for other symptoms such as “struggling with routine tasks like managing a budget”, and “losing track of dates and seasons”.
Each person experiences dementia in their own way, and different types of it affect people differently, especially early on. According to the NHS, the main symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is memory lapses. Things to look out for include forgetting about conversations or events, misplacing items, forgetting names of places and objects, or having trouble thinking of the right word.
You might also notice mood changes, such as increasing anxiety or agitation, or periods of confusion. Symptoms might start to get worse as the condition develops, and it might start to get difficult for them to recognise family and friends.
Other symptoms include increasing confusion and disorientation, obsessive, repetitive or impulsive behaviour, delusions, problems with speech or language and disturbed sleep. If you’re worried about symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to speak to a GP.
If you have questions about dementia, dementia research or want to get involved, you can contact Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Dementia Research Infoline on 0300 111 5 111 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected].