An expert has warned that an “early” warning sign of dementia might be spotted when someone is watching TV. According to a medical professional, this subtle change could be among the initial indicators that a loved one is grappling with the syndrome.
Dementia is a syndrome, or collection of symptoms, linked to the progressive decline of brain function. Nearly one million people across the UK are currently living with the condition – a figure projected to increase significantly as the population continues to age.
Whilst many people recognise the more prominent symptoms of dementia, there are additional, subtle signs which can easily be missed.
With this in mind, consultant neurologist Dr Tim Rittman emphasised the difficulties in separating early-stage dementia from other medical conditions.
Writing for Alzheimer’s Research UK, he said: “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. That’s understandable – it’s something many of us know very little about.”
A YouGov survey found that fewer than half of those surveyed (49%) could recognise “memory loss” as an effect of dementia. Just 12% of the 2,162 respondents knew that dementia results in a loss of independence, whilst nearly a quarter (22%) confessed to knowing nothing about how the condition affects people.
Dr Rittman continued: “It’s a surprising finding, given how dementia will impact so many of us”. He stressed the need to increase public understanding of dementia’s early warning signs, stating: “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 continued by noting that receiving a diagnosis early enables people and their loved ones to make future arrangements, obtain suitable care and assistance, and potentially take part in clinical studies. Dr Rittman then outlined several crucial warning signs worth monitoring, noting: “When it first starts, dementia’s signs and symptoms are often mild and not that easy to spot.”
He pointed out that slight memory lapses, alterations in how things are perceived or difficulties with speech might signal an underlying issue. Nevertheless, he warned: “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.”
In Dr Rittman’s view, memory and cognitive difficulties, which are typical dementia symptoms, may first become apparent during everyday activities such as watching television. Individuals might find themselves unable to keep track of the plot in a programme they usually enjoy, describing it as “difficult to follow”.
He explained: “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.
“People may find they struggle to concentrate on daily tasks, or they may find following the storyline of a TV programme difficult for example.”
The NHS lists other common signs of dementia, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, getting muddled in daily tasks, struggling to follow conversations or recall words, confusion over time and place, and sudden mood swings. If you observe these symptoms in a loved one, it’s recommended to consult their GP for advice.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
