Warning over five 'early' dementia signs that mean you should see a GP

More than 982,000 Britons are estimated to be living with dementia, a number that's expected to surge to 1.4 million by 2040. The global picture is equally grim, with the World Health Organisation forecasting a tripling of cases by 2050.

According to the NHS, dementia primarily affects older people, with the risk of developing the disease roughly doubling every five years post-65. However, some individuals can develop dementia earlier, posing unique challenges for the person affected, their carer, and their family.

In England alone, there are around 540,000 carers for people with dementia. It's projected that one in three people will care for someone with dementia during their lifetime. Half of these carers are employed, and it's thought that about 66,000 individuals have already cut back their working hours to care for a family member, while 50,000 people have quit work entirely. The economic burden associated with dementia is significant, estimated at £23 billion annually and predicted to triple by 2040.

This surpasses the costs of cancer, heart disease, and stroke, according to Bristol Live. Stewart Mcginn, Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes, recently highlighted the crucial importance of recognising early warning signs that could signal Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), saying: "FTD is a much less common type of dementia which also causes problems with behaviours and language, and typically is diagnosed in people from the age of 45 and up."

He went on to explain: "FTD is a slow and progressive disease and is sometimes initially misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, Alzheimer's or aphasia."

Mcginn explained that FTD chiefly impacts regions of the brain responsible for personality, behaviour, and language - namely the frontal and temporal areas - causing symptoms to mainly manifest in these zones.

Misplacing belongings

To help with early identification, he outlined several "early" red flags including the frequent misplacement of personal belongings.

Whilst it's perfectly normal for individuals to lose things from time to time, repeated incidents could indicate an "early" warning sign of dementia developing.

Mcginn explained: "This could be continuously losing their glasses or finding items in strange places, like a TV remote in the fridge or food items with the cleaning products," suggesting that such behaviours serve as warning signals for dementia.

He additionally noted that patients may discover organisational and planning activities become progressively more difficult, whilst sustaining focus grows significantly "harder" as the condition progresses.

Communication

Mcginn also highlighted that language difficulties could serve as an early warning sign of dementia, stating: "A sign that can indicate a person is suffering from dementia is having difficulty forming sentences or finding the right words during conversations."

He continued: "While everyone can forget the odd word from time to time, regularly struggling to remember words or substituting them in sentences with random words can indicate someone is suffering."

Memory

Memory problems are frequently the most recognised symptom of the condition, and they're regarded as one of the initial indicators of cognitive decline. "Whether your loved one is constantly forgetting the names of people they know, or is unable to recall recent events or new information learned, it's best to get them checked out by a doctor," the expert advised.

Mood

Mood changes are another potential sign of dementia. Mcginn observed: "This can be a person's mood quickly changing from calm to angry, or emotional, without reason, or if they become generally more withdrawn or anxious."

Confusion about time and place

He also referenced confusion about time and place as a symptom to monitor. Whilst it's normal for people to joke about forgetting why they entered a room, an expert emphasises that with dementia, there are more serious concerns.

He said: "For example, your elderly family member might become lost on a street they have walked down their whole life and struggle to find their way home."

The professional went on to explain: "Your loved one might get confused about time, being unable to distinguish between their past and present."

Delving further into the warning signs, the expert revealed: "This could include confusing family members with people from their past, like their own parents, and struggling to remember people from their present, like their grandchildren."

If these concerning indicators appear, seeking urgent advice from a GP is absolutely crucial.

Following a consultation with a doctor, your loved one may subsequently be referred to the appropriate specialists if the GP deems it necessary.