Dementia is very much in the news at the moment and many people I meet raise concerns about whether or not they have dementia. The most common comment I receive is ‘I keep losing my keys, have I got dementia’?
Whilst we all have to be mindful of our health and wellbeing, it is easy to read things in the news and believe we have a disease or a disorder.
Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function that can affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It’s typically caused by damage to brain cells, and there are different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and others.
While occasional forgetfulness or misplacing items like keys can happen to anyone and doesn’t necessarily indicate dementia, it’s important to be aware of other potential signs and symptoms that could suggest a more serious problem. Some of these symptoms may include
- Loss and losing things that disrupt daily life, such as forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or events or forgetting to attend appointments or meetings.
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as cooking a meal or managing finances.
- Confusion about time or place, such as getting lost in familiar surroundings or forgetting how to get home.
- Challenges with language, such as difficulty finding the right words or following a conversation.
- Poor judgment or decision-making, such as giving away large sums of money or falling for scams.
- Changes in mood or personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, anxious, or suspicious.
- Difficulty with spatial awareness and visual perception
Remember that there are other possible causes of cognitive challenges other than dementia, such as medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, depression, or anxiety.
If you are worried about your own wellbeing or that of someone you live with or care for, phone your GP and visit them or a surgery nurse. You may be worrying unnecessarily, its always best to get a professional opinion. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your GP to have thorough consultation and check-up.
If you live alone, please don’t think that you cannot access support as there are so many services locally that can support you. If you don’t live with a husband or wife, siblings, or family, you don’t have to worry alone. Reach out to local services.
Dementia diagnosis isn’t something negative, there are so many medications and support systems in place where we live. You can access so many elements of advice and support.
Most of all, PLEASE REMEMBER, if you keep losing your keys, it doesn’t mean you have dementia. BUT, like anything else, getting checked out by your GP is always good if you are worried about yourself or someone you love.
There are many local support services that are accessibly so if you are worried, concerned, or anxious in any way whatsoever, do please reach out, please do not worry alone.
Lesley-Anne Lloyd
07778-196931