We all forget things occasionally. Misplacing your keys or struggling to recall a name does not necessarily mean something is wrong. Stress, tiredness, illness and some medicines can affect memory. However, changes that persist, worsen or interfere with everyday life need attention. If you are concerned about your memory, or changes in someone close to you, speaking to your GP is a useful first step.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by diseases that damage the brain. These can affect memory, thinking, language and behaviour, making everyday activities difficult. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause. Another is vascular dementia, which results from problems with the brain’s blood supply.
Around one million people in the UK are living with dementia. Although it becomes more common with increasing age, it can also affect younger people. The symptoms and how quickly they progress vary from person to person.
What changes should you look out for?
Memory difficulties are often an early sign, particularly problems remembering recent conversations or events. Someone might repeatedly ask the same question, forget appointments or need more reminders than before.
Dementia can also cause difficulty following a conversation, finding words, managing money or completing familiar tasks, such as preparing a meal. A person may become lost in familiar surroundings or show changes in mood, judgement or behaviour. Memory loss is not always the first or most noticeable symptom.
The important issue is a change from someone’s usual abilities. An occasional lapse is different from a frequent pattern of difficulties affecting daily life. But these symptoms do not necessarily mean dementia. Depression, anxiety and other health problems can cause similar symptoms.
What happens when you see your GP?
Your GP will ask about the changes you have noticed, when they began and how they affect everyday activities. They will also review your general health and medicines. If you feel comfortable, bring a relative or friend who knows you well. They can describe changes they have noticed and help you remember the discussion.
The assessment may include a physical examination, a short memory test and blood tests to look for other possible causes, such as thyroid problems. If dementia remains suspected, your GP may refer you to a memory clinic or another specialist service.
Further assessment may include more detailed tests and, where appropriate, a brain scan.
How can treatment and support help?
There is currently no cure for dementia but there is much that can help. Depending on the type of dementia, medicines may improve or stabilise some symptoms for a time. These
benefits vary, and symptom relief is different from slowing the underlying disease. Treating other conditions, including depression and high blood pressure, is also important.
A care plan should be developed with you, involving family or carers if you wish. It should explain the help available, how to access it and who coordinates your care. Regular reviews of your condition can identify changing needs.
Practical measures, such as familiar routines, reminders and adjustments at home, can help people manage daily activities. Group activities designed to support memory and thinking may also be offered. Maintaining friendships, interests and enjoyable activities remains important.
Dementia usually progresses but the pace of change varies between individuals. Many people continue to have meaningful relationships and active lives after diagnosis. Discussing future wishes early can help people remain involved in decisions about their care.
Family members and carers need support too, including advice, opportunities for breaks and attention to their own health.
Can you reduce your risk?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia. Age, your genes and wider social circumstances all play a part. However, looking after your health can reduce your risk.
Avoid smoking, stay physically active, eat a balanced diet and keep alcohol consumption within recommended limits. Choose activities you enjoy and can manage, such as walking, dancing or gardening. Small, sustainable changes are a useful starting point.
Make sure you have conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes monitored and treated. Seek help for depression or hearing difficulties and maintain social connections where possible.
These steps support your general health as well as your brain health. They remain worthwhile throughout life even though they cannot remove the risk of dementia entirely.
Where to turn for help
If changes in memory, thinking or behaviour are worrying you, make an appointment with your GP. Write down a few examples beforehand, including when the problems started and how they affect your daily life.
If you are concerned about someone else, such as a relative, raise the subject gently and offer to accompany them to an appointment.
The Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia UK provide information and support for people with dementia and those close to them. Seeking help can be difficult but it allows understanding what is happening to you and finding support for your health and care needs.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
