Our clinical column: Why a diagnosis is important in dementia
This month featured Dementia Action Week (15-21 May), with a focus on increasing diagnosis rates.
While it’s normal for your memory to be affected by stress, tiredness, certain illnesses and medicines, if you're becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly if you're over the age of 65, it's a good idea to talk to a GP about the early signs of dementia.
Dementia is not only about memory loss - it can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave. It's also important to remember that dementia is not a natural part of ageing.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome (a group of related symptoms) associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes of dementia, and many different types. People are often unsure about the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and, together with vascular dementia, makes up the majority of cases.
Symptoms of dementia
Dementia symptoms may include problems with:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental sharpness and quickness
- language, such as using words incorrectly, or trouble speaking
- understanding
- judgement
- mood
- movement
- difficulties doing daily activities
People with dementia can lose interest in their usual activities, and may have problems managing their behaviour or emotions. They may also find social situations difficult and lose interest in relationships and socialising. Aspects of their personality may change, and they may lose empathy (understanding and compassion). A person with dementia may see or hear things that other people do not (hallucinations). 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. As dementia affects a person's mental abilities, they may find planning and organising difficult. Maintaining their independence may also become a problem. A person with dementia will usually need help from friends or relatives, including help with making decisions.
The symptoms of dementia usually become worse over time. In the late stage of dementia, people will not be able to take care of themselves and may lose their ability to communicate.
You can read more about the symptoms of dementia here.
Why it's important to get a diagnosis
Although there is no cure for dementia at the moment, an early diagnosis means its progress can be slowed down in some cases, so the person may be able to maintain their mental function for longer.
A diagnosis helps people with dementia get the right treatment and support. It can also help them, and the people close to them, to prepare for the future.
With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilled lives with dementia.
If you have concerns and for further advice, please contact your GP.
It was also great to see the first Harlow Dementia Fair (organised by the Harlow Dementia Friendly Communities, previously Harlow Dementia Action Alliance, and Rainbow Services) take place on 20 May at St Paul’s Church – a fantastic opportunity for our community to understand more about dementia.
You can read more about dementia at www.nhs.uk.
Best wishes
Caroline Ashton-Gough
Dementia clinical nurse specialist
Useful resources
- How early dementia diagnosis gave us relief - Alzheimer's Society >
- Getting a dementia diagnosis - Alzheimer's Society >
- Living with dementia - NHS >