Brits have been urged to keep an eye out for six “common” signs of dementia as “record numbers” have been diagnosed with the condition. In an update from NHS England, 506,549 people have received a dementia diagnosis.
This is up from 490,163 this time last year. Despite this, experts warn that thousands more could be living with the condition without an official diagnosis.
Kieran Winterburn, from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “A third of people living with dementia in England are undiagnosed. We understand that getting a dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but we believe it’s better to know.
“An early and accurate diagnosis can unlock access to crucial care, support and treatment – helping people manage their symptoms and avoid reaching crisis point.” Commenting on the number of people diagnosed, Dr Jeremy Isaacs, national clinical director for dementia, NHS England, said: “Thanks to patients and families coming forward, and the hard work of NHS staff, we have a record more than half a million people diagnosed with dementia, many of whom are living in their own homes with support from family and friends.”
He encouraged families to look out for any of the potential warning signs. “There are lots of reasons why people might be forgetful or absent-minded but it could be the sign that something is wrong,” he continued.
“Issues that may not have been obvious previously such as forgetfulness, difficulty making plans, or word-finding problems may be easier to spot when families or friends across the country get together for an extended period. Getting a diagnosis of dementia is the first step in supporting people, with a wide range of NHS services able to help.
“If you have noticed that someone has symptoms, please encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment – the sooner someone is seen the quicker the NHS can help.”
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Key symptoms
On its website, the NHS explains that there are some “common early” symptoms that may appear “some time before” a diagnosis of dementia. These include:
- 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.”
The NHS says: “You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time.
“In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen.” It adds that “it’s important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you’re worried about memory problems or other symptoms.”
If you or someone you know is displaying symptoms of dementia, you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.