More women than men are at risk of developing dementia, and women are more likely to be the main carers for loved ones with the disease. Christina Neal, Founder & Editor of Dementia Help magazine, reveals some common symptoms to look for and how to reduce your risk…
Do you know someone living with dementia? Or perhaps you have a friend caring for a loved one with the condition? Dementia affects the brain and can have a debilitating effect on those living with the condition, making them increasingly reliant on the support of their loved ones for daily care. I understand how difficult this can be, as my own mother had vascular dementia, causing her to go from being an independent and self-sufficient woman living alone to needing assistance with even the most basic daily tasks. While there is no cure for dementia, there are things you can do to reduce your risk.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that typically causes a decline in mental ability. This can include problems with memory, language, problem-solving, and decision-making. Dementia affects people of all ages but is most common in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, with vascular dementia the second most common form of the disease.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently revealed that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were the leading cause of death in England and Wales in 2022. It accounted for 65,967 deaths (11.4% of the total), up from 61,250 (10.4%) in 2021.
While dementia is more common in older people, it can also affect younger people too. According to Dementia UK, there are around 70,800 people in the UK with young-onset dementia, which means they have been diagnosed under the age of 65. This is an increase of 69% since 2014.
People often think that dementia is mainly about memory loss, but it’s about much more than that. It can affect many aspects of a person’s mood and behaviour, eventually stripping away their ability to make decisions and their confidence.
Women are the main carers
Figures show that women are the main carers of a loved one with dementia, with up to 70% of dementia carers in the UK female. According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, around two-thirds of unpaid carers with dementia are women.
Women are also more likely than men to get dementia. Twice as many women as men have Alzheimer’s disease (the most common form of dementia). This may be because we live longer than men, and our risk of developing dementia increases as we age.
I juggled my busy job as a magazine editor with looking after my mum for almost ten years. I saw first-hand how challenging it can be to live with the condition. Although there is no cure for dementia, there is medication available that can help to manage the symptoms.
It’s important that a person with dementia takes care of their financial matters early on, including Lasting Power of Attorney for Property & Finance and Health & Welfare. This means that they will have appointed someone they trust to manage their financial affairs when they are no longer able to do so and have made arrangements for their future care. It’s essential to do this swiftly. As dementia progresses, it may not be possible to make a Lasting Power of Attorney.
So if you are worried that you or a loved one may have dementia, it’s important to see the GP as soon as possible. Here are some common symptoms to look for…
Memory Loss
One of the most common early symptoms of dementia is memory loss. This can manifest as difficulty remembering recent events or conversations or asking the same questions repeatedly. If you or a loved one are experiencing memory loss, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out other causes, such as medication side effects or vitamin deficiencies.
Difficulty Planning or Solving Problems
Another early symptom of dementia is struggling to complete familiar tasks. This could be something as simple as forgetting how to make a favourite recipe or needing help with checking bank statements. If you notice yourself or a loved one having difficulty with everyday tasks, it’s worth getting checked out by a doctor.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Dementia can also cause problems with language. This may manifest as trouble finding the right word when speaking or writing or more subtle things such as slowed speech or word repetition. Those with dementia may also start to withdraw from social activities due to feeling self-conscious about their language difficulties.
Changes in Mood and Personality
As dementia progresses, it’s not uncommon for those affected to experience changes in mood and personality. This could manifest as increased anxiety, paranoia, irritability, and depression. If you notice these changes in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek medical help as they could indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Impaired judgment
This is another common symptom of dementia. This may manifest as poor decision-making, risky behaviours, and difficulty coping with changes in routine. If you notice any of these changes in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible.
How to reduce your risk of developing dementia
According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, up to 40% of dementia cases could be prevented if key risk factors are eliminated. Risk factors for dementia include smoking, high blood pressure, inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and limited social interaction. According to Alzheimer’s Society, aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, and cycling has been shown to reduce the risk of developing dementia by 30%, while for Alzheimer’s disease specifically, the risk is reduced by 45%. So with some simple lifestyle changes, you could cut your risk significantly.
More Information
Christina Neal is a writer and editor, and founder of Dementia Help magazine, a new digital publication offering advice to dementia carers. It is free to download from the Dementia Help website. Sign up for your free copy here: https://dementiahelpuk.com/dementia-help-news/ and visit the website at https://dementiahelpuk.com/ for advice and support on living with dementia. You can get in touch with Christina by email at christina@dementiahelpuk.com