BBC Morning Live star Dr Xand has explained the key symptoms of dementia as the number of UK cases is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. Speaking to TV presenters Helen Skelton and Gordon Smart, the health expert listed differences between forgetfulness and memory loss, and warning signs to watch out for.
The Alzheimer’s Society says: “There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this is projected to rise to 1.4 million in 2040. The scale and the need to prevent, diagnose, support, live and die well with dementia will only become greater.”
Data from the charity also shows one in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime. There are also over 70,000 people living with young onset dementia – where symptoms develop before the age of 65.
A spokesperson added: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and it’s not just about forgetting things. It is a group of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain.”
Common symptoms that can get worse over time include:
- memory loss
- confusion and needing help with daily tasks
- problems with language and understanding
- changes in behaviour
To help people understand the difference between ageing and dementia, Dr Xand shared a list of common age-related memory changes. He told viewers: ” Forgetting the names of people you don’t know well. Misplacing items around the house. Missing the occasional appointment or birthday.
“Not being able to find the right words. Struggling with new technology and difficulty taking in new information. All of those things are very common.”
He went on: “Age is a factor, but medication, sleep, hormonal changes, tiredness, depression, anxiety, all these can impact your short-term memory much more… and are a very normal part of ageing.”
In terms of the warning signs of dementia, Dr Xand began by stressing the importance of seeing a doctor, as only a GP can provide an official diagnosis. He then shared several possible indicators of the condition.
“Forgetting recently learned information. Asking the same questions over and over again. If you don’t recall a conversation, even when you are reminded.
“Misunderstanding instructions that are written down. Dramatic changes in behaviour and confusion and needing help with daily tasks. All those things suggest you might need to talk to your GP” he said.
Dr Xand mentioned that people who are worried about a loved one should visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website and use its dementia symptoms checklist, which is endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners. “It is very easy to use,” Dr Xand added.
“It is a series of questions… What it does is it gives you something you can print out or take a picture of, bring to your GP and say, ‘look, here is what I am worried about, I’ve done this quiz, can we talk through it?'”
Diagnosing dementia isn’t as simple as relying on one test. Typically, it involves a combination of various assessments and tests. These may include evaluations of cognitive abilities and brain imaging, but the specific approach can differ from person to person.
The charity says: “For some people, getting a dementia diagnosis can be quite simple and take just a few weeks. For others it can take much longer – sometimes more than a year.
“An early and accurate dementia diagnosis is vital. It gives people access to the care, treatment and support they desperately need. Yet one in three people in England and Northern Ireland and an estimated one in two in Wales with dementia do not have a diagnosis.”
Dementia comes in various forms, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent. Following closely behind is vascular dementia, which is the second most common type.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease or any other type of dementia. Existing drugs available in the UK only treat the symptoms of dementia. They do not treat the root cause of the diseases that cause dementia, and so do not slow down how quickly it gets worse.
