September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day held on the 21st, so now’s the perfect time to think about your own cognitive health and what you can do to protect it as the years go by.
Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing the condition every three minutes – and one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop it in their lifetime.
Being aware of the symptoms can help make sure that you go to see a doctor quickly… so here are just five of the early signs of Alzheimer’s to be aware of.
1. Disruptive memory loss
One of the most common early stage signs of Alzheimer’s is memory loss. If you find yourself repeatedly asking the same questions again and again, forgetting information that you’ve only recently learned, using memory aids or relying on family members, it might be advisable to go and see your GP.
It can be easy to dismiss this symptom, since forgetting names, appointments and so on is relatively commonplace and can happen to us all at any time. If you’re concerned, start tracking your symptoms and writing them down to show your doctor or private nurse.
2. Confusion over time or place
Dementia onset can make it hard to keep track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. You may forget where you are or how you got there, for example, or struggle to make sense of something if it’s not happening immediately.
3. Difficulty with words
You may find that you start having problems following conversations or joining in. You might find yourself stopping in the middle of a chat and end up repeating yourself, or stuck without an idea of how to carry on. Vocabulary can also become an issue, where you struggle naming familiar objects and items, or using the wrong words and phrases.
4. Social withdrawal
Because of potential difficulties in keeping up with conversation, you may find yourself increasingly withdrawing from social activities and not engaging with pastimes and pursuits that you previously enjoyed.
5. Mood changes
Of course, it’s entirely normal for our moods to change from time to time, but dementia can cause more severe changes in this regard.
For example, you may find that you become upset and tearful quickly for no apparent reason, or you may become suspicious and confused, without really knowing why.
Talk to your healthcare professional
If you’re concerned about any of these potential symptoms or, indeed, any other signs you’re experiencing, it’s essential that you talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional to help you know what steps to take next.
Your Concept Care private nurse will be able to help you find the support you need and will be there every step of the way, so you never need to worry that you’ll go through anything alone. Give us a call today to find out more.
