Forgetting to turn on the oven for Christmas dinner yesterday could have been a warning that a loved one was suffering from dementia, health chiefs warned.
Not remembering names, gifts, or directions to a family member’s home can also be a sign that an older friend or family member has the memory stealing disorder.
More than 900,000 Britons and 7 million Americans are believed to have dementia and the number is expected to almost double over the next two decades.
It comes as the NHS today announced plans for medics to screen hundreds more older people for the condition as part of a catch-up campaign after diagnoses fell during the pandemic.
Not remembering names, gifts or directions to a relative’s house could also be a sign that a friend or relative has the memory-stealing condition, says the NHS
In advice issued today, the NHS said if a family member, particularly those over 65, forgets to turn on the oven for Christmas turkey, they could “experience the early stages of dementia”.
Forgetting the names of loved ones to the point of “embarrassment” and not bringing a gift from a more distant relative, such as a niece or nephew, can also be a sign.
Other signs include confusion in a new environment – such as a hotel or a relative’s home – which can cause people with dementia to become disoriented, confused and go to the wrong bedroom.
Professor Alistair Burns, NHS England national clinical director for dementia, said: “If you notice someone has symptoms over the festive period, encourage them to see their GP for a check-up – the sooner someone is seen, the sooner the NHS supports them. You.’
Broader signs of dementia include memory loss, e.g. B. that past events are much easier to remember than present ones.
Difficulty thinking or reasoning, difficulty following conversations or TV programs, and feeling anxious, depressed, or angry about memory loss are also symptoms of dementia.
People with these symptoms are advised to see a doctor. Early diagnosis can help you get the right treatment and support.
There is currently no cure for dementia, but treatment includes medication and therapy.
The latest NHS data shows that more than 450,000 people in England were diagnosed with dementia in September – an increase of 2.8 per cent in one year.
But the Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, meaning many remain undiagnosed, and the total is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of people diagnosed.
There are an estimated 7 million people with dementia in the US. The number is expected to reach 12 million over the next two decades.
It comes as the NHS today launched a dementia “diagnosis drive” at 14 trusts across England, including parts of London, Birmingham and Oxford.
To help detect cases of dementia missed during the pandemic, medics will offer face-to-face exams for undiagnosed care home residents.
There has been a significant decline in dementia diagnoses during the Covid crisis, leading to fears that more people are living with the disease without access to proper support and advice.
But experts say the new study will help reduce the number of missed cases.
As part of the local dementia campaigns, GPs share a list of care home residents without a diagnosis of dementia.
Staff involved in the pilot will check with the nursing home if they have any of the listed memory problems, and residents will be offered a full face-to-face assessment.
They will then assess a resident’s medication use and talk to friends and family to determine if they have dementia.
Professor Burns said: “The pandemic has obviously had an impact on the number of people diagnosed with dementia, as older people see fewer people to protect themselves from Covid.
“The NHS is committed to ensuring that those living with dementia receive a diagnosis during the pandemic, as this will open doors to further support for people and their families suffering from this heartbreaking disease.
“There are many things we can do in the NHS to provide care and support to people when they are diagnosed, and more importantly there is support for their families and carers too.
“So if you see someone having symptoms during the holidays, encourage them to see their GP – the sooner someone is seen, the sooner the NHS can support them.”
In other related news…
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One in 10 cigarette smokers in their 40s suffer cognitive decline – but quitting can reverse the damage, study shows
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is a generic term used to describe a range of neurological disorders
A WORLDWIDE CARE
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (affecting the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behaviour.
There are many different forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common.
Some people have a combination of dementias.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, everyone experiences dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global problem, but it is most common in wealthier countries where people are likely to live to a very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ASKED?
The Alzheimer’s Association reports that there are more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. By 2040, this number is expected to rise to 1.6 million.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of people diagnosed.
There are an estimated 5.5 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. A similar percentage increase is expected for the coming years.
The risk of developing dementia also increases with age.
Diagnosis rates are improving, but many people with dementia are believed to remain undiagnosed.
IS THERE A MEDICINE?
There is currently no cure for dementia.
But new drugs can slow its progression, and the earlier it’s caught, the more effective treatments are.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
