A neurologist has revealed the key warning sign of dementia that can appear 'early' while watching TV series.
Over 944,000 people in the UK have dementia with 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 having the syndrome which is associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.
There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types with Alzheimer's disease being the type of dementia making up the majority of cases.
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It's important to note that dementia is not only about memory loss as it can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave.
It's also important to remember that dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
Now, according to the NHS, dementia symptoms may include problems with:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental sharpness and quickness
- language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking
- understanding
- judgement
- mood
- movement
- difficulties doing daily activities
However, there are far less obvious symptoms of dementia that can often go unnoticed.
So, to shine a light on the issue, neurology consultant, Dr Tim Rittman, has highlighted the challenges in distinguishing early-stage dementia from other conditions.
"In its early stages, dementia can be difficult to tell apart from other conditions. And that means it can be hard to know how much to worry if you think someone might be a bit different than when you last saw them," he wrote for Alzheimer's Research UK.
"That's understandable - it's something many of us know very little about."
According to the neurology consultant, issues with memory and thinking can become noticeable when someone is watching television.
"Early on forgetfulness could be mild, affecting memory for places or things that have happened in the past. You may notice someone asking the same question in quick succession, or struggling to remember the name of objects around the house," Dr Rittman notes.
"People may find they struggle to concentrate on daily tasks, or they may find following the storyline of a TV programme difficult for example."
Explaining that an early diagnosis can help individuals and their families to plan ahead, access appropriate care and support, and consider participating in research, Dr Rittman continued: "It is important, then, to raise awareness of early signs of dementia so people with symptoms can be referred to a memory clinic for a full assessment and an accurate, timely diagnosis."
He explained that when dementia 'first starts, its symptoms are 'often mild and not that easy to spot'.
"Mild forgetfulness, changes to perception or the way we speak can be early indications that something is wrong," the expert wrote.
"It’s really important to know that these kinds of symptoms can have other causes, such as low mood, or the side-effects of medications. But they could be early signs of dementia."
You can find out more about dementia on the official NHS website here.
Topics: Advice, Health, Life, Mental Health, Science, TV And Film
Rhiannon Ingle