It has been estimated that more than 850,000 people throughout the United Kingdom are suffering from some form of dementia. This roughly equates to one out of every 14 individuals. While there is currently no cure for this condition, early detection is still a powerful way to mitigate many of its long-term effects. This is why it is always a good idea to seek a professional diagnosis as soon as the first potential issues arise.
Let’s therefore take a look at some of the steps that can be taken as well as how these strategies can help to improve the quality of life of you and your lovie ones.
Early Signs and Symptoms
It is first important to point out that gradual memory decline is a natural part of ageing and in some cases, this is no direct cause for alarm. After all, even young adults forget things at times. The issue here is when it begins to cause disruptions throughout our daily lives. One of the ways in which is may be possible to detect conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is to appreciate some of the situations mentioned within this checklist provided by the Mayo Clinic:
- Frequently asking the same questions.
- Confusing two seemingly unrelated words on numerous occasions.
- Forgetting everyday words and phrases when chatting.
- Taking considerably longer to complete everyday tasks.
- Becoming lost within a familiar location (such as when driving).
- Sudden and unexplained mood swings.
If any of these situations has occurred on more than one occasion, a professional diagnosis is warranted. This is particularly the case for those who are older than 65.
When to Speak with a Professional
The general rule of thumb here is that it is prudent to consult with a medical professional whenever you have become concerned about chronic memory loss. While this type of cognitive decline may be rooted in chronic dementia, it is important to note that other culprits could be to blame. Examples include (but are certainly not limited to):
- A change in medication
- Excessive alcohol use
- Sleep apnoea
- Hypothyroidism
- A vitamin B12 deficiency
Many of these conditions are treatable and it may very well be possible to alleviate the associated symptoms.
Early Prognosis Equals More Treatment Options
The main takeaway point here is that detecting memory loss at an early stage is the best way to determine the most appropriate treatment options. Not only can modern medications be umployed, but quality of life issues are just as important. For example, those who require moderate levels of supervision can leverage the numerous resources offered through quality care homes in Somerset. Furthermore, early diagnoses are often associated with more positive long-term prognoses.
Is you or someone you care about experiencing memory loss or cognitive-related issues? If so, always make it a point to consult with a qualified physician. There are many powerful options at your disposal.