The number of adults living with dementia worldwide is projected to reach 153 million by 2050. With so many of us likely to be affected directly or indirectly, it is vital everyone can spot the signs and are aware of how to get diagnosed.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a group of related symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain function. There are more than 200 sub-types of dementia, the largest of which is Alzheimer’s disease.
Although most people associate dementia with memory loss, it can also affect the way people speak, think, feel and behave.
What are the symptoms?
Dementia symptoms may include problems with memory loss, thinking speed, mental sharpness, language, understanding, judgment, mood, movement and difficulties doing daily activities.
People with dementia can lose interest in their usual activities or in maintaining relationships, may find social situations difficult, and may lose empathy. They also may not fully understand their environment, or find planning and organising difficult.
The symptoms of dementia typically worsen over time.
How do you get a dementia diagnosis?
If you are concerned about problems with your memory and thinking, contact your GP.
“They’ll give you an initial assessment and may refer you to a local memory service,” says Katie Puckering, the information services manager at Alzheimer’s Research UK. “You’ll then have tests that assess your memory and thinking.
“You may also have a scan to check for changes in your brain. If your results suggest you have dementia, specialists will discuss the findings with you, and you’ll then be able to access the support that is right for you.”
What if you have a relative with memory loss who doesn’t want to go to a GP?
“A person may be reluctant to go to the doctor due to fear or a denial that there is an issue,” says Dr Hilda Hayo, the chief executive of Dementia UK. If this happens, start by explaining that the symptoms may be due to another condition that could be treated, as this may encourage them to see their GP.
“There are many conditions that may mimic the signs of dementia, such as infection, vitamin deficiency and depression,” says Hayo. “It’s often helpful to explain that a prompt assessment and diagnosis leads to the right treatment and support sooner.”
You could also keep a diary of any symptoms over the course of several weeks, suggests Puckering. “A person experiencing these symptoms may not be aware or forget when these things happen,” she says. “Some people find it can be helpful to discuss these changes with their loved ones.”
What do the tests involve?
An initial memory test with a GP is often done with a pen and paper, and will involve a series of questions and tasks, such as recalling a list of words. At the memory clinic, you may have more in-depth tests that assess language, visual and spatial awareness, levels of attention, reasoning and problem solving.
“Brain scans, such as an MRI, can involve lying in a scanner for around an hour,” says Puckering. “This is used to identify changes to the structure of the brain.”
Others may be offered a lumbar puncture. This involves a needle being inserted into your lower back to collect a sample of spinal fluid.
What if the test results are OK but you still have concerns?
Diagnosing dementia is difficult, especially as early symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. “But if you or a loved one suspect you have dementia, and have not been referred to a memory clinic, you should seek a second opinion,” says Puckering.
Keep track of symptoms. If they worsen, or new ones develop, see your GP again and let them know about the changes.
How does getting a diagnosis help?
“A timely diagnosis can help the person and their family understand what form of dementia they have, how their symptoms affect them, and what they can do to manage them,” says Hayo. “It also enables the person and their family to seek out suitable support, such as financial assistance, forward planning and specialist advice.”
Although there is no cure, an early diagnosis means dementia’s progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.
With the right treatment and support, many people with dementia are able to lead active, fulfilled lives for longer. “They may also be able to take part in research studies, like clinical trials,” says Puckering.
What financial support is available?
If you have dementia, or care for someone with the condition, you may be eligible for some benefits if the condition affects your ability to work, or if you have extra costs because of it. In the UK, Citizens Advice offers free, confidential and impartial advice.
How long can you live with dementia?
It’s hard to predict. It depends on the type, age at diagnosis, and whether there are other medical issues.
“The average life expectancy for people with Alzheimer’s is eight to 10 years, but for people diagnosed in their 80s or 90s, it’s shorter,” says Puckering. “Some people, however, live longer than others, sometimes living up to 15 or 20 years with dementia.”
What can you do to help slow any decline?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, keeping physically and mentally active, maintaining a healthy diet, and keeping connected with friends and family can help maintain or improve your health and wellbeing.
How many people have dementia?
There were an estimated 57 million cases worldwide in 2019.
In the UK, 940,000 people are living with a dementia diagnosis. However, the true number affected is probably higher because about a third of people with the condition never get a formal diagnosis. It is the leading cause of death in the UK.
How does that compare internationally?
“The latest available data suggests the UK has the lowest per capita rate of diagnosed dementia cases across the G7 nations, with about 1.4% of the population living with dementia,” says Puckering.
Canada has the second lowest rate (1.56%), followed by the US (1.60%), France (1.85%), Germany (2.03%), Italy (2.46%), and Japan (3.25%).
How can you reduce the risk of dementia?
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent dementia. But there is good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk.
That involves eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking and keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level.
