Dementia diagnosis rates have fallen to a five year low and people are being encouraged to look out for early signs they may have the condition.
The Alzheimer’s Society works with individuals and organisations across the UK every year to encourage people to ‘act on dementia’, and the week of action - which this year runs from May 16 to 22 - is the society’s biggest and longest running awareness campaign. Dementia diagnosis rates have fallen to a five-year low, and the Alzheimer’s Society research shows that the biggest barrier to people seeking a diagnosis is the misconception that memory loss is a sign of normal ageing, according to Chronicle Live.
A spokesperson for the society said: “We want to encourage those who might be living with undiagnosed dementia to come to us for guidance and support and feel empowered to take the next step. Getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it’s better to know.”
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Early signs of dementia
Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way, according to the NHS. But there are some common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia, including:
- memory loss
- difficulty concentrating
- finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- being confused about time and place
- mood changes
These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually. People might not notice these symptoms if they have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time.
For some, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen, but others go on to develop dementia. The NHS says: “Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. This is why it's important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you're worried about memory problems or other symptoms.”
Alzheimer's disease symptoms
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Common symptoms include:
- memory problems, such as regularly forgetting recent events, names and faces
- asking questions repetitively
- increasing difficulties with tasks and activities that require organisation and planning
- becoming confused in unfamiliar environments
- difficulty finding the right words
- difficulty with numbers and/or handling money in shops
- becoming more withdrawn or anxious
Why has ‘diagnosis’ been chosen as this year’s Dementia Action Week theme?
Alzheimer’s Society research found that, as well as the misconception around memory loss just being part of getting old, being in denial and referral times to specialists were barriers for people experiencing symptoms to seek a diagnosis. For this Dementia Action Week, the society wants to encourage people who might be living with undiagnosed dementia - or those close to them - to:
- be able to understand and recognise potential dementia symptoms
- go to the Alzheimer’s Society for guidance and support
- feel empowered to take the next step
A spokesperson for the society said: “We’ll offer practical advice and information on what next steps to take, what to expect during and after the diagnosis process, and what support Alzheimer’s Society can offer throughout. Because we believe it’s better to know.”
