Dementia can affect everyone differently, especially depending on what type of dementia a person has. There are four main types – vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia. In the early stages of dementia, a person’s symptoms will be noticeable, says Alzheimer’s Society, and will affect their day-to day life. Here are four early signs to recognise – one related to each of the four main types of dementia.
Dementia can affect everyone differently, especially depending on what type of dementia a person has
Alzheimer’s disease
- Loss of memory of recent events
Vascular dementia
- Problems with thinking
Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Very disturbed sleep
Frontotemporal dementia
- Trouble remembering words
While there’s no cure for dementia at present, if it’s diagnosed in the early stages, there are ways it can be slowed sown and mental function can be maintained.
The NHS advises: “A diagnosis can help people with dementia get the right treatment and support, and help those close to them to prepare and plan for the future.
“With treatment and support, many people are able to lead active, fulfilled lives.
“The symptoms of dementia tend to worsen with time. In the much later stages of dementia, people will be able to do far less for themselves and may lose much of their ability to communicate.”
The exact cause of dementia is unknown but a number of risk factors have been linked to the condition.
Over 65s and South Asian and African or African-Caribbean people have been shown to be high risk groups for developing dementia.
More women have also been shown to be affected by dementia than men.
Although getting older is the biggest risk factor for dementia, Dementia UK says there are a number of risk factors which are modifiable.
These include:
- Diabetes
- High alcohol intake
- High blood pressure
- Lack of exercise
- Low educational attainment
- Obesity
- Poor physical health
- Smoking
When it comes to preventing dementia, experts recommend drinking a certain amount of water each day.
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