Experts have shared the tell-tale signs of dementia as they warn the disease is a 'time bomb'. The disease, which can lead to patients forgetting their dearest family members, affects more than 850,000 people in the UK according to the NHS - and this number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.
As reported by the Mirror, Dr Oscar Lopez, director of the University of Pittsburgh Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, said: "One thing you need to emphasise is that the prevalence of dementia in general in the population is huge. It’s a time bomb.
"Because people are living longer. From the neck down we’re in really good shape. Because we can deal with heart problems very easily but the brain is still at risk of dementia. Especially Alzheimer’s."
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Dr Lopez and Dr Nicole Purcell, practising neurologist and senior director of clinical care at the Alzheimer's Association, who have been speaking out on the threat of dementia to the US' ageing population, have now informed people how to identify the tell-tale symptoms of the horrific disease and to hear what can be done to tackle it.
Symptoms
According to Dr Purcell there's not just one clear tell-tale sign of dementia. She said: "So it’s not a one size fits all situation. There isn’t just one symptom, I’d like there to be."
Changes to the patient's personality, their ability at work and even difficulty walking can all be indicators of looming dementia. But both our experts agreed the most common symptom is issues around memory.
Discussing the disease with our reporter, Dr Lopez said: "Mainly forgetfulness. Or finding difficulties finding the right word. Normally people remember the word five to ten minutes after they forgot it but people with dementia most likely won’t remember the word.
"Also people said 'I’m not the same, but I can not put that in words'. Or the family will say he or she is not the same person. They cannot put that in words. Sort of a feeling, that something is different."
He added: "Sometimes the disease starts with a personality change, they are more disinhibited, they are more aggressive." Dr. Nicole Purcell provided a broader definition to help patients and their loved ones identify the signs.
She said: "We generally recommend that if a patient is not functioning at their baseline whether it be psychiatric or behavioural symptoms. Maybe they’re depressed when they’ve never had depression.
"Change in function. So they’re having difficulty walking or they can’t do the things they would normally do." Dementia is an umbrella term for a number of cognitive disorders that impair the ability to remember, think, or make decisions.
The majority of dementia patients have Alzheimer's but Parkinson's disease with dementia is also common. Frontotemporal dementia has been in the headlines recently due to Hollywood star Bruce Willis' diagnosis.
What can be done to prevent dementia
For decades little could be done to alleviate the symptoms of dementia but in the last 20 years the field has come along in leaps and bounds. New pills are now coming onto the market which can slow cognitive decline in dementia patients but them being widely accessible is still some way off.
Instead life-style changes can make a huge difference. Dr Purcell said: "We generally say what is good for the heart is good for the brain. So discontinuing any cigarette or alcohol use. Making sure blood pressure is controlled., diabetes is controlled."
She also emphasised staying socially and mentally active can help, adding: "Crosswords puzzles, learning something new or, I say, even just trying something you usually do in the day, try and do it differently.
"Social interaction also seems to be a significant risk factor that you can improve. So staying socially, physically and mentally engaged is incredibly important. The risk of dementia can be reduced around 40 percent if you make lifestyle changes mid life. It is a huge difference."
Anyone who is worried about themselves or a loved one can go to the Alzheimer's Association website where there is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week phone line where you can get advice on resources in their area and get connected to the right people. Dr Purcell said: "There is a fear factor. And there is a stigma factor but just get it checked."
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