Spotting the disease early can help you get the right support
Dementia symptoms ‘often’ include two noticeable changes, according to the NHS(Image: Getty)
It is estimated that over 982,000 people are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, in the UK.
With more and more people expected to be diagnosed in upcoming years, many look for symptoms to spot the disease early.
Whilst memory loss is a potential indication of Alzheimer’s, it is helpful to understand how other symptoms can appear for those with the progressive disease.
The NHS highlights that memory issues can result in misplaced items, forgetting the name of places and objects, and struggling to find the right word for items.
Other memory issues can show up as forgetting recent conversations and asking questions repetitively, writes Surrey Live. Cognitive decline could also show up as poor judgment, greater indecision and more hesitancy to try new experiences.
Alzheimer’s disease can also be spotted if “signs of mood changes” are observed, such as increased anxiety and periods of confusion.
“The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress slowly over several years,” the NHS noted.
As more of the brain is impacted by an abnormal build-up of proteins during the middle stages of the conditions, more symptoms begin to show up.
There can be disorientation problems that manifest as not knowing what time of day it is and wandering around feeling lost.
Disturbed sleep, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions are further symptoms, and can cause the affected person to have distorted beliefs.
Further mood changes could also appear, and may show up as depression, frustration and agitation.
“By this stage, someone with Alzheimer’s disease usually needs support to help them with everyday living,” the NHS added.
The sooner symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia are identified, the sooner support can be given, which can include medication.
The NHS said: “Donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine can be prescribed for people with early- to mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease.”
The medicines work by increasing the level of acetylcholine in the brain to help nerve cells communicate with one another.
Medicine can temporarily reduce symptoms to help someone live with the condition more comfortably for a while, however there is currently no cure for the disease.