Reader TTS

'I'm a dementia expert - these are the most common signs to watch for'Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK - these are the symptoms to watch forCommentsNewsElle May

Rice Content Editor Under 35s Lifestyle12:52, 21 May 2025Updated 13:45, 21 May 2025An expert has shared the signs of dementia to watch for(Image: Getty) A dementia expert has shared the

signs and symptoms of people should watch for. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK, but a third do not have a diagnosis.

Hollie Wynde from Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line has broken down what people need to know about dementia. This Dementia Action Week (19-25 May), Alzheimer's Society encouraging

people to seek help if they spot these signs in themselves or a loved one.

‌ Dementia is a group of symptoms and is caused by different diseases that damage the brain. It is progressive, which means symptoms may be relatively mild at first, but they get worse over

time.

‌ It can affect memory, problems with language and understanding, changes in behaviour and lead to confusion and needing help with daily tasks. Dementia is not a natural part of ageing and

is caused when nerve cells in the brain are damaged.

Nerve cells carry messages between different parts of the brain, and to other parts of the body. As more nerve cells are damaged, the brain becomes less able to work properly.

Signs of dementia to watch for(Image: Getty)Article continues below Dementia can be caused by many different diseases. These diseases affect the brain in different ways, resulting in

different types of dementia. Lifestyle, age, genetics and overall health all play a role.

Signs and symptoms of dementia According to Hollie, different types of dementia affect people differently, especially in the early stages. There are, however, some common early signs and

symptoms of dementia. Hollie says these include:

Memory lossDifficulty organising thoughts or staying focusedProblems using words or communicatingProblems with visionGetting confused about where you are or what time it isChanges in mood or

personality‌ People often start to forget things more as they get older, but for someone with dementia, changes will be different, more serious and will affect their life more. If you’re

worried about yourself, or someone close to you, you can check your symptoms using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist.

What is the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia? There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, but Alzheimer's disease is the most common. Around two out of three people living with

dementia in the UK have Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease starts in the brain for years before symptoms start to show. Early symptoms are mild and don’t stop someone doing their normal everyday activities. When symptoms progress

later, this is when it becomes severe enough to be called 'dementia'.

Article continues below