'I'm a dementia expert - these are the common signs to watch for'
A dementia expert has shared the signs and symptoms of people should watch for. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, but a third do not have a diagnosis.
Hollie Wynde from Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Support Line has broken down what people need to know about dementia. This Dementia Action Week (19-25 May), Alzheimer's Society encouraging people to seek help if they spot these signs in themselves or a loved one.
Dementia is a group of symptoms and is caused by different diseases that damage the brain. It is progressive, which means symptoms may be relatively mild at first, but they get worse over time.
It can affect memory, problems with language and understanding, changes in behaviour and lead to confusion and needing help with daily tasks. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and is caused when nerve cells in the brain are damaged.
Nerve cells carry messages between different parts of the brain, and to other parts of the body. As more nerve cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly.
Dementia can be caused by many different diseases. These diseases affect the brain in different ways, resulting in different types of dementia. Lifestyle, age, genetics and overall health all play a role.
Signs and symptoms of dementia
According to Hollie, different types of dementia affect people differently, especially in the early stages. There are, however, some common early signs and symptoms of dementia. Hollie says these include:
Memory loss
Difficulty organising thoughts or staying focused
Problems using words or communicating
Problems with vision
Getting confused about where you are or what time it is
Changes in mood or personality
People often start to forget things more as they get older, but for someone with dementia, changes will be different, more serious and will affect their life more. If you're worried about yourself, or someone close to you, you can check your symptoms using Alzheimer's Society's symptom checklist.
What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia?
There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, but Alzheimer's disease is the most common. Around two out of three people living with dementia in the UK have Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's disease starts in the brain for years before symptoms start to show. Early symptoms are mild and don't stop someone doing their normal everyday activities. When symptoms progress later, this is when it becomes severe enough to be called 'dementia'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Classic superfood diet eaten by millions has multiple health benefits
The Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy eating plan that has been associated with a number of health benefits. Now, a food expert has shared the 10 essential ingredients to include in the diet to help lower the risk of heart disease and premature death The famed Mediterranean diet is commonly found in European countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. It is favourite amongst dieticians and nutritionists worldwide for its health benefits and simplicity, and can aid with longevity. The diet features wholesome and fresh ingredients such as lean meat, fish, seasonal vegetables, and olive oil - and the latter has some solid health benefits. The best part of a Mediterranean diet? According to Phil Bianchi, food expert and founder of The Gift Of Oil, research indicates that it can slash the risk of heart disease by 25% and premature death by 23%. He has shared the must-have ingredients to include in your diet, which can easily be used to make a wide variety of dishes. 10 ingredients to ace the Mediterranean diet Olive oil All diets require fats, but swapping tempting fats with 'good' fats is crucial when following the Mediterranean diet. A 'good' fat is an unsaturated fat, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the top choice and most versatile to use across your meals, reports Wales Online. Oleocanthal in olive oil has numerous health benefits, including reducing bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of stroke, preventing the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's, decreasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, and preventing the DNA damage that can trigger cancer. Balsamic vinegar Balsamic vinegar, paired perfectly with olive oil, is a fantastic ingredient to help you stick to the Mediterranean diet and ensure every meal is scrumptious. Ditch the extra sauces and opt for the simplicity of using oil and vinegar to dress and flavour any dish. Spinach Spinach is a top-notch superfood, much like many ingredients in the Mediterranean diet, boasting incredible health benefits such as reducing blood sugar, promoting good bone health and aiding weight loss, to name just a few. Spinach can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals from pasta and curries to salads and sandwiches, making it a true culinary chameleon . Fish A great source of protein, fish is the preferred choice for a meal in the Mediterranean diet. Typically sourced locally, it's incredibly fresh and delicious. Fish is lower in saturated fats compared to other meats so anything from mackerel to prawns can be used in your recipes. Pork When it comes to meat, it's always best to opt for lean options such as pork or chicken. Pork is often used in traditional Mediterranean dishes, but you can easily substitute pork for chicken in most recipes too. Brown rice Packed with dietary fibre and protein, brown rice has been shown to help lower cholesterol. Swap out white rice, chips and bread for lighter brown rice options. Whip up flavourful kebab bowls, salads or use as a simple side with lean protein. Chickpeas Chickpeas are a fantastic source of fibre and can be easily added to virtually any recipe in the Mediterranean diet. Chickpeas have been found to boost mental health - just like the abundant source of vitamin D found in Mediterranean countries. Feta No good Mediterranean diet is complete without some feta, which is also known to bolster bone and gut health. Many of us are guilty of heaping cheese on top of our dishes - put the parmesan and cheddar away and opt for some lighter, Med-approved feta instead. Tomato The humble tomato is one of the most versatile vegetables and it's perfect for the Mediterranean diet. Whether using tomato fresh in a salad or sandwich, or cooked down to create a mouthwatering sauce or dip, tomatoes are so useful in every cooking but especially great for the Med-diet. Pepper Just like tomatoes, peppers can be chopped, cooked, grilled or filled and go well with so many different ingredients. Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, which are associated with better health and protection against conditions like heart disease and cancer. Use these ingredients to make: Hummus dipping board - chickpeas, olive oil, feta to top and peppers to dip. Tomato chicken skillet - roast chicken cooked in a tomato sauce with peppers and olive oil to drizzle. Stuffed peppers - red bell peppers stuffed with chicken or pork mince and tomato sauce with a balsamic glaze.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'My mum's got dementia and my kids are too scared to visit her'
Resident agony aunt Coleen Nolan has advice for a struggling reader whose mum's illness is making him feel guilty because he doesn't really want to go see her any more I'm a married man in my 40s and my mum, who's in her 70s, has had dementia for a couple of years. In this time, she's gone from being a sweet, kind person to someone who's really aggressive and verbally abusive. Sadly, my kids now get frightened by her when we visit her in her care home, so I've stopped taking them. My wife is very supportive and has gone over and above to help me out, but I don't want to burden her too much with how I'm feeling, as she has other things on her plate. It feels lonely and incredibly depressing. I feel like a bad person when I don't visit my mum and maybe I am selfish, but sometimes I have to cut myself off from her altogether to cope. I'd be very grateful for any advice you might have. Coleen says Firstly, you need to know you're not alone in this. I've been through the same, feeling incredible guilt over dreading going to see my mum. She had Alzheimer's and had very similar behaviour to your mum so I understand how hard it is to cope with. I used to go to bed at night, praying for God to take her peacefully because it was so awful for her and so tormenting for us. READ MORE: 'I love my partner but her three daughters can be so demanding' You mustn't ever feel you're a bad son or you've failed her. Please speak to the Alzheimer's Society ( We spoke to them a lot when my mum was ill and they helped me see everything I was feeling was OK and normal. You can join the online community and find support near you, and there's a support line (0333 150 3456). I'm lucky in that I come from a big family, so we had each other to talk to and could share visits. So, for you, I think it would be so helpful to connect with other people who are going through it with a relative or have been through it. You should still talk to your friends. They may not have personal experience, but they can still listen and be there for you. It's important to look after yourself, find ways to relax and get some respite, and you mustn't feel guilty for that. Even though she can't communicate it, you know your mum wouldn't want you to feel burdened or guilty.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Torfaen man's fundraiser walk for Alzheimer Research UK
Joe Norris is a returning attendee of the event this year, walking with his wife and new-born daughter to share the importance of Alzheimer's Research UK's (ARUK) integral work. He said: "The walk is a fantastic way of bringing people together who are all touched by the terrible disease in different ways. Joe, whose grandmother is in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease, added: "It's incredibly important we do what we can to improve the lives of future generations." More than 500 people gathered for this fundraising walk on July 13 to battle this life-changing disease one step at a time. Consisting of a walk through Pontcanna Fields in Cardiff alongside the River Taff, this leisurely, 5-kilometre walk followed an accessible, circular route, chosen to encourage people of all ages to come together to publicly bring attention to the ongoing fight against dementia. Dozens of people took part in 'Walk for a Cure' (Image: Supplied) Communities came together to reach a shared goal; to fight Alzheimer's and raise awareness and funding for a cause aiming to change lives for the better. Mark Wray is another attendee of the walk from South Wales, stating 'Alzheimer's Research UK is a charity close to my heart, as my wife, Jean, has been recently diagnosed'. He raises awareness towards how this fundraising walk is a great way to 'help in whatever way you can – personally, but also for all those other people like me who are affected indirectly', stressing the importance of how Alzheimer's is a disease which affects everyone. Alzheimer's causes irreversible damage and affects us all one way or another, which is why the life-saving work of companies like ARUK is essential. Their mission is to develop a cure for people suffering with dementia, yet this ambition is still far from achievable. The ability of researchers to make small changes for the betterment of future generations is why this is a cause worth donating to. In 2024, ARUK raised £284,000 through their 'Walk For A Cure' walking events. The hope is for a higher number this year once each route is completed, as the money raised goes towards vital laboratory research in need of funding for its continuation and progress. With there being eight routes in place for their 2025 fundraising, upcoming locations based in the Peak District and the Cotswolds will prove to be more of a challenge. These longer, varied distances embody the constant uphill battle people face against Alzheimer's. This cause provides plenty of walking events across the UK to remind people of the importance of getting involved with life-changing charities such as this one. Dementia affects all of us in different ways, but Alzheimer's Research UK is taking steps in the right direction towards change.
