Dementia warning as study reveals 7 early symptoms mistaken for signs of ageing

The Alzheimer's Society is urging people to acknowledge their symptoms and face dementia head on. But many people mistake the warning signs for the natural age-related changes

Symptoms of Dementia can be mistaken as signs of ageing

Only a third of people report symptoms of dementia within the first month of noticing them, concerned experts say.

Feedback from 1,100 people, suggests many are remaining silent as they are unsure about whether their symptoms were down to dementia or simply age-related changes. Some people even admit they actively "avoid" seeking a diagnosis as a concern for its effects. The Alzheimer's Society says the trend is revealed in a survey and is urging people to acknowledge their symptoms and face dementia head on.

It has highlighted seven possible early symptoms of dementia that people should be aware of and the differences to natural age-related changes. Dementia is a term used for a range of neurological conditions that cause the loss of cognitive functioning, such as thinking, reasoning and remembering, which often leads to behavioural and personality changes.

Recognising the disease early is essential for ensuring the affected person gets the support and care they need. Although, trying to differ these symptoms from normal ageing can be difficult. According to a survey led by the Alzheimer's Society, only a third of people report symptoms of dementia within the first month of noticing them, either in themselves or someone close. The organisation reported that: "One in three people (33 percent) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves, or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month."

Additionally, the survey revealed that 15 percent of individuals act immediately upon spotting potential dementia signs, while 11 percent confessed to not discussing their worries at all, despite recognising initial symptoms. By not speaking up, the process of getting support is completely delayed, with 23 percent of people waiting for more than a half a year before consulting a GP, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Depressed lonely senior lady with alzheimer, dementia, memory loss or loneliness

Early signs of dementia include having trouble following conversations, concentration difficulties, and forgetful moments. Symptoms that are all dismissed as signs of ageing, brushed off as an attribute to hearing loss or mere forgetfulness.

However, this misunderstanding could be a much more significant issue - a recent poll showed that 16 percent of those surveyed admitted they were actively "avoiding" seeking a diagnosis as a concern for it's effects on their personal relationships with partners, friends or family members.

The data also uncovered that 44 percent worry about being condescended to by family members or caretakers, who will "talk down" to them. The CEO of Alzheimer's Society, Kate Lee is urging people to acknowledge their symptoms. She said: "We can't continue to avoid the 'd' word - we need to face dementia head on."

She advices individuals, who spot a potential symptom to use their checklist and talk to their GP. She stated: "As soon as you realise something is not right, come to Alzheimer's Society - you can use our symptoms checklist to help have that all-important first chat with your GP."