Full list of dementia symptoms as half 'don't know' and one in three undiagnosed
This Dementia Action Week (19-24 May), the Alzheimer's Society is bringing attention to the six most prevalent signs of dementia and urging people to get help if they notice these indicators in themselves or someone close. While dementia specialists have often spotlighted well-known symptoms, a list of 'lesser-known' signs was also shared.
With approximately one million people in the UK living with dementia, and a third undiagnosed, the charity's recent study reveals that over 60% of British adults are unaware that visual difficulties can be indicative of dementia, and alarmingly, one in ten couldn't identify any common symptoms.
Dementia's impact on memory and thinking can extend to brain areas responsible for processing visual information, potentially leading to challenges in judging distances, distinguishing objects, and reading large text. Misinterpretations of patterns or reflections can also occur among those with dementia, reports Devon Live.
The survey further discovered that fewer than two-thirds recognised issues with communication (61%) or mood swings (64%) as potential dementia symptoms. Corinne Mills, the interim CEO at Alzheimer's Society, articulated: "This Dementia Action Week, we're highlighting the six most common symptoms of dementia and encouraging anyone with concerns to use our free symptom checklist and seek help from their GP or other health professional.
"More than a third of people with dementia don't have a diagnosis, meaning they're missing out on the vital care, support and treatment they need. But it doesn't have to be this way. We understand that getting a diagnosis can be daunting, but we believe it's better to know."
"Our research shows that 97% of people affected by dementia saw a benefit in getting a diagnosis. An early and accurate diagnosis helps people to live independently for longer, access existing treatments, and prevent crisis situations. It also allows people to better understand their condition and plan for their future."
In the UK, around 944,000 individuals are believed to be affected by dementia. This figure is expected to rise to more than one million by 2030 and exceed 1.6 million by 2050.
Among those over 65, one in 11 has dementia, and there are also about 70,000 individuals with young-onset dementia, which occurs before the age of 65. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
- Memory loss – problems recalling things that happened recently.
- Difficulty organising thoughts – struggling to make decisions, solve problems or follow steps.
- Problems using words or communicating – difficulties following conversations or struggling to find the right words.
- Problems with vision – problems judging distances or perceiving object edges.
- Getting confused about time or place – losing track of the time or date, or becoming confused about where they are.
- Changes in mood or personality – becoming unusually anxious, irritable, or withdrawn.
Many think memory loss and dementia are the same thing, but there are actually other important symptoms and signs to watch for. Each person with dementia experiences it differently, as the impact of the illness varies based on which parts of their brain are affected.
- Movement - dementia can affect how we move about our surroundings. Slips, trips, and falls might become more common. You might start to notice that a person is shuffling as opposed to lifting their legs when they are walking.
- Time keeping - losing track of time could be memory loss or the brain's inability to read an analogue clock. In fact, doctors can use a ‘Clock Test’ to determine early signs of dementia. A person is asked to draw the hands of a blank clock at a particular time. You can watch a video about this below.
- Sight loss - some rarer dementias, like Posterior Cortical Atrophy, can damage the part of the brain responsible for understanding the images that we see. This could cause sight loss, even if the eye itself seems healthy.
- Sensory issues - these are often under-reported and under-recognised as a symptom of dementia. People may experience issues with depth perception and spatial awareness, sensitivity to noise, or changes to taste and smell.
- Hallucinations - with some dementias, like dementia with Lewy Bodies, a person is likely to experience hallucinations or delusions. This could be seeing colours, people or objects that aren’t there or even auditory hallucinations like hearing voices.
According to the NHS, the most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. Common symptoms of Alzheimer's disease 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
Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia, following Alzheimer's disease. Some people may suffer from both conditions, a situation often referred to as 'mixed dementia'. While the symptoms of vascular dementia can mirror those of Alzheimer's, early memory loss may not be as noticeable.
Symptoms can either appear suddenly and deteriorate quickly, or they may develop gradually over several months or even years. Common symptoms include:
- Stroke-like symptoms: including muscle weakness or temporary paralysis on one side of the body (these symptoms require urgent medical attention)
- Movement problems – difficulty walking or a change in the way a person walks
- Thinking problems – having difficulty with attention, planning and reasoning
- Mood changes – depression and a tendency to become more emotional
Dementia with Lewy bodies shares many symptoms with Alzheimer's disease, and individuals with this condition typically also experience:
- Periods of being alert or drowsy, or fluctuating levels of confusion
- Visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not there)
- Becoming slower in their physical movements
- Repeated falls and fainting
- Sleep disturbances
Although Alzheimer's is the most prevalent form of dementia in those under 65, a larger proportion of this age group may actually be diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia compared to older individuals. Most diagnoses occur between the ages of 45 and 65.
Early symptoms of frontotemporal dementia may include:
- Personality changes – reduced sensitivity to others' feelings, making people seem cold and unfeeling
- Lack of social awareness – making inappropriate jokes or showing a lack of tact, though some people may become very withdrawn and apathetic
- Language problems – difficulty finding the right words or understanding them
- Becoming obsessive – such as developing fads for unusual foods, overeating and drinking
As dementia progresses, significant memory loss is common, and communication becomes challenging. In the advanced stages, individuals may neglect their own health and require continuous care and support.
The most common symptoms of advanced dementia include:
- Memory problems – people may not recognise close family and friends, or remember where they live or where they are
- Communication problems – some people may eventually lose the ability to speak altogether. Using non-verbal means of communication, such as facial expressions, touch and gestures, can help
- Mobility problems – many people become less able to move about unaided. Some may eventually become unable to walk and require a wheelchair or be confined to bed
- Behavioural problems – a significant number of people will develop what are known as "behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia". These may include increased agitation, depressive symptoms, anxiety, wandering, aggression, or sometimes hallucinations
- Bladder incontinence is common in the later stages of dementia, and some people will also experience bowel incontinence
- Appetite and weight loss problems are both common in advanced dementia. Many people have trouble eating or swallowing, and this can lead to choking, chest infections and other problems.
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Dementia encompasses over 100 distinct diseases and symptoms, and it's possible to have more than one type simultaneously. The common factor among these conditions is that they damage brain cells, impairing the brain's normal functioning.
It's crucial to understand that dementia isn't simply a normal aspect of ageing; it's caused by various illnesses that affect the brain. If you're worried that you might be showing signs of dementia, it's advisable to arrange a consultation with your doctor.
Ensure you request an extended appointment to allow ample time to discuss your concerns. Your GP may refer you to a memory clinic or a specialist for a more comprehensive evaluation, which could involve more detailed memory tests and potentially other assessments.
Identifying the cause of any changes can enable those living with dementia to access the appropriate information, treatment, and support. It also helps individuals and their loved ones comprehend the changes they are undergoing and make the most of their time together.
Moreover, it enables people to plan ahead by establishing a lasting power of attorney, exploring care options, managing finances, and accessing any benefits they may be eligible for. If you're concerned about yourself or someone close to you, then assess your symptoms today.
Visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist. Or call the Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.
Daily Express
