Phil Thompson discusses his fears of dementia
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Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way. Some people with dementia may face new problems with words in speaking or writing. You could be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you develop difficulties with your vocabulary.
People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation, according to Dementia UK.
“They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves,” the charity states.
People with dementia may also struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name.
“Just because you think you may be experiencing some of the signs, does not necessarily mean that you have dementia,” the site adds.
The NHS also adds that there are many other common symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia.
As well as memory loss, some people may experience difficulty concentrating and find it more difficult to carry out familiar daily tasks.
Others may find themselves being confused about time and place and experiencing mood changes.
“These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually,” says the NHS.
The NHS adds: “Because people with dementia may lose the ability to remember events, or not fully understand their environment or situations, it can seem as if they’re not telling the truth or are wilfully ignoring problems.”
The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
Common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease also include difficulty with numbers and handling money in shops or becoming more withdrawn or anxious.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Another possible sign of Alzheimer’s disease is when the person finds it difficult to recognise objects, or to judge speed or distance.
Alzheimer’s can also cause the person to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Research shows there are more than 850,000 people in the UK who have dementia.
One in 14 people over the age of 65 have dementia, and the condition affects one in six people over 80.
One of the biggest risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease is being over the age of 65.
As people are living longer nowadays, it is perhaps not surprising that a rise in the number of cases are predicted.
It is estimated that by 2025, the number of people with dementia in the UK will be more than one million.
If you have any concerns about the symptoms, contact your GP and arrange an appointment, says the NHS.
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