It's common for your memory to be affected from time to time. Stress, tiredness and certain illnesses and medications can often leave us feeling absent-minded.
But if you feel you are becoming increasingly forgetful, and if you're over 65 - it could be a sign you're developing dementia.
Alzheimer's and dementia are two conditions that many people believe to be one in the same.
Ahead of World Alzheimer's month in September, experts have clarified that while both share key similarities, dementia and Alzheimer's are in fact separate.
Elderly care expert and founder of The Live In Care Company, Luca Rado wants to clear up any confusion people may have.
"Dementia is the term that represents a group of neurological diseases characterised by a loss of memory, language, and other thinking abilities", Luca said.
"These symptoms can become severe enough to interfere with everyday functioning, meaning that those living with dementia may eventually need assistance to achieve everyday tasks."
There can be many different symptoms of dementia, which may present themselves differently, but experts have flagged 10 red flag signs of dementia you should look out for.
According to charity Dementia UK, there are four different types of dementia disorders which affect the brain differently.
The four types of dementia are known as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Lewy body dementia
While dementia is an umbrella term that describes a group of conditions which affect the brain, Alzheimer's disease is classified as a certain branch of dementia.
Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are the two types which make up most cases, according to the NHS.
Luca explained: "Alzheimer's is actually a form of dementia and is the most common type of dementia, representing about two-thirds of cases in older adults."
While symptoms between the four can overlap, they differ through causes and risk factors.
Alzheimer's can develop slowly over time, and is caused by a specific neurological malfunction.
"It’s a progressive neurodegenerative disease and is thought to be a result of an abnormal build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in brain cells, which can affect brain functioning", he continued.
Dementia can branch out further into different illnesses, where decline in cognitive function is seen as a symptom. Such conditions include Huntington's disease and Parkinson's.
While there is no known cure for any form of dementia, getting an early diagnosis is crucial as progress of the condition can be slowed, meaning a person may be able to retain brain function for longer.
To help decipher which form of dementia a person may be suffering from, medical experts will perform specific tests and consider various influences.
Rado concluded: "Doctors will diagnose Alzheimer's by looking at a range of factors such as medical history, physical examination, cognitive and laboratory tests, and by observing day-to-day function and behaviour.”
Numerous studies have shown that certain foods can increase the risk of dementia, including 'cookies, crisps, and sausages'.
Research has also found that making certain lifestyle changes can actually lower your risk of developing a dementia disorder.
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