Alzheimer’s awareness day – know the signs and symptoms
Today is Alzheimer’s awareness day and this year’s theme is “The Power of Knowledge”.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of Dementia in the UK and makes up around 60% of diagnoses.
The more people who understand how dementia can change memory and behaviour, the more people can be helped to get a diagnosis and the right support faster.
What are the signs and symptoms of dementia?
Dementia affects people differently, however, there are some common early symptoms to do with thought and memory and these include:
- Memory –like forgetting names and faces or recalling recent events
- Difficulty concentrating, planning or organising – like making decisions or doing familiar tasks
- Language – finding it hard to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Vision and space – finding it hard to judge distance or see objects in three dimensions
- Confusion – becoming confused about the time, dates or places
- Mood changes – being withdrawn or anxious
These symptoms are usually mild to start with, however, Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and if you are concerned or worried, it is important to talk with a GP as soon as possible.
Below are a few more myth-busting facts about Dementia.
Dementia is not a natural part of ageing
We all forget a name or a face sometimes, especially as we get older. Dementia is something different. Memory problems can be one of a number of symptoms. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and it doesn’t just affect older people.
Dementia is caused by diseases of the brain
Dementia causes nerve cells to die, damaging the structure and chemistry of the brain. No two types of dementia are the same and cause damage to different parts of the brain. Everyone experiences dementia in their own way.
It’s not just about losing your memory
Most people hear the word dementia and think of memory loss. Someone with dementia might repeat themselves and have problems recalling things that happened recently. But dementia can also affect the way people think, speak, perceive things, feel and behave.
People can still live well with dementia
Support and treatments are available that can help with symptoms and managing daily life. These can allow people with dementia to lead active, purposeful lives and carry on doing the things that matter to them most.
Useful information and support can be found on the following websites
NHS Dementia guide
Alzheimers.co.uk
Dementia UK
21st September 2021