Symptoms such as memory loss may not be naturally attributable to the ageing process but may be the start of Dementia and receiving a timely diagnosis can ensure individuals and loved ones are able to plan for the future, receive emotional and practical support, and better manage their symptoms. It can also help make dementia less daunting for those affected. Sometimes memory problems can be a sign of conditions such as depression, infections, and vitamin deficiencies, so it’s always worth getting checked.
If you are diagnosed with dementia, it is important to remember that you are still you, even though you may have difficulties with concentration and planning and that different types of dementia can affect people differently and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. Focus on what you can do and enjoy what you can do.
MP for Mid Sussex, Mims Davies commented:
“Being presented with a diagnosis of dementia can seem a very daunting diagnosis for families, but the reality is thousands of people are living well with Dementia and we must recognise this. With early diagnosis and the right support, you can live well and positively for several years.
If you suspect that you or a family member is showing any or increased symptoms from the list below do contact your GP. If the diagnosis is dementia there are many organisations out there here in Mid Sussex, can offer you support. As a dementia friend myself, I ensured that my constituency team also undertook this invaluable training and I can thoroughly recommend becoming a dementia friend, the training is approximately one hour and can make a huge difference when communicating and understanding with someone who is living with dementia.”
Experts point out, while memory problems don’t always mean dementia (and people living with dementia can have a variety of symptoms), if a person’s memory is getting noticeably worse, or is affecting their everyday life, we recommend they speak to their doctor, as it may be a sign of a medical condition. Sometimes memory problems can be a sign of conditions such as depression, infections, and vitamin deficiencies, so it’s always worth getting checked.
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Mood Changes
- Struggling to remember recent events, but can easily recall things from longer ago
- Finds it hard to follow conversations or programmes on television
- Forgets the names of close friends or everyday objects
- Regularly loses the thread of what they’re saying
- Being confused about time and place
- Finds themselves putting objects in unusual places – such as putting keys in the fridge
- Feels confused, even in a familiar place, or gets lost on familiar journeys
These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually. It’s often termed “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia. In some people these symptoms will not worsen and others may go on to develop dementia.
If you are worried do speak to your doctor, this may then lead to a referral to a local memory clinic or hospital specialist where further assessments can take place so a person can get a diagnosis if appropriate. You can read more about what happens at the point of diagnosis here.