The expectation that with age comes automatic memory loss is one of the greatest barriers to people seeking a dementia diagnosis. With dementia detection rates at a five year low, it is important to recognise when memory loss could be a symptom of something more than ‘old age.’ Whilst receiving a possible diagnosis of dementia is understandably daunting, the cause of memory loss could be due to any number of medical conditions including some thyroid and kidney disorders, a tumour, blood clots, urinary infections, deficiencies, depression or even difficulty sleeping, but with any of these you would want an early diagnosis to start receiving appropriate treatment, and the same is true for dementia. 

Symptoms related to dementia 

  • Forgetting information you were recently told and asking for it repeatedly; 
  • Putting objects in unusual places; 
  • Inability to learn new tasks; 
  • Unable to plan, and confusion when making decisions; 
  • Inability to maintain focus; 
  • Struggling to manage finances, or recognise the value of coins when using cash; 
  • Difficulty recalling the correct words; 
  • Losing train of thought in conversations; 
  • Difficulty with tracking time or place; 
  • Misjudging distance and easily confused by reflections and shadows; 
  • Becoming withdrawn from familiar people or participation in favourite activities; 
  • Anxiety and low confidence. 

The key to all of these symptoms is recognising that they are a frequent occurrence and not simply an occasional, age-related slowing down. If you are worried that you are regularly experiencing these symptoms, it may be a sign of something more serious and you should make an appointment to speak with your GP as only a health care professional is qualified to make a diagnosis, or eliminate potentially treatable conditions with dementia-like symptoms. Changes in your behaviour, or ability to perform tasks should be taken seriously, but ultimately you are the best person to judge when to make this appointment. 

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia: 

There are many reasons why early detection of dementia is preferable, and 91% of people affected by dementia agree. As with any condition, early diagnosis is crucial to getting the best support and treatment for you to continue living life to the full.  

Benefits of an early diagnosis 

  • Access to relevant information and support to help reduce anxiety about symptoms; 
  • Planning for the future both financially and practically e.g. with a lasting power of attorney; 
  • Potentially benefitting from participation in medical trials of new treatments; 
  • More effective drug and non-drug treatment to slow down the progress of the disease; 
  • Explaining the effects of your condition to family, friends and colleagues to enable sympathetic and effective support; 
  • Receiving potential benefits and protection within the workplace to prevent discrimination, and to enable tailored support for you to continue working; 
  • Taking control of your condition by making arrangements to live fully and independently for as long as possible. 

Daunting though it is, gaining knowledge of a dementia diagnosis gives you the ability to continue to make decisions about how you, or your loved one, want to live life. The professionals at Assist Care Group can help you make decisions about possible care that would support you and your family. 

If you, or a loved one, have received a dementia diagnosis, talk to other people to get answers and support – the Alzheimer’s Society provide free, comprehensive advice: 

Dementia Connect, Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia support service, is free, easy to access, and puts you in touch with the right support. Dementia Connect support line 03331503456 

Connect via Talking Point online community