Spotting the early signs of dementia – and where to get help

Is your older relative merely being a bit forgetful, in the way that anyone else can be... or is it a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition? It might not be obvious, but it’s imperative to keep an eye out for the first signs of dementia in a loved one, so that appropriate help can be sought – potentially including appropriate domestic care in Gloucester from Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk). Dementia is a disease that becomes more likely with old age.

However, that is not to suggest that dementia is inevitable for your loved ones as the years pass, with it not being an issue for 19 out of 20 over 65s and 4 in 5 of those aged over 80. Nonetheless, one of the problems with spotting the first signs of dementia is that advancing age is the sole factor that we know definitely increases the risk. For example, the most common type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, has no known cause. Not only does it not run in families, but there is no particular group that is more affected by it than any other. There are, however, more known risk factors for vascular dementia, which is the second most common form, including excess alcohol, smoking and high blood pressure.

Another thing that makes spotting dementia at an early stage potentially confusing is that waning memory alone does not necessary suggest it. However, dementia is more likely if the memory loss in question involves more recent memories being forgotten, while memories of many years ago are not affected. Other potential early symptoms that may lead one to consider dementia care in Gloucestershire include the loved one becoming irritable, behaving out of character and getting easily lost and disorientated. They may also seem to lose their ability to learn new skills – such as how to use a new household gadget.

According to research, 66% of people in the UK are unaware of the early signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia, with only 5% regarding themselves as well-informed – so even the most basic knowledge of some of the symptoms helps. It is important, however, to be sensitive in your response if you do suspect a loved one to have dementia. The obvious first step is to contact your GP so that an assessment can be performed and other conditions – such as depression – ruled out. In the event of a diagnosis of dementia, you will need to prepare and plan for the future, making decisions about money, benefits, legal affairs and potential home help in Gloucester.

It’s important to realise that those with dementia don’t necessarily need to go straight into a care home. Although the disease changes over time, with the right support, many people can stay at home for longer, retaining their mobility and independence. When you contact Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk), we can provide advice on the potential suitability of our dementia care in Gloucester, having carefully assessed and discussed the matter with you and your loved one.

Editor’s Note: Bramble Home Care (http://www.bramblehomecare.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.