New dementia checklist reveals how likely you are to develop Alzheimer’s

A NEW dementia checklist has been revealed, to see how likely you are to develop Alzheimer’s.

One in four people show symptoms for more than two years before they are diagnosed, but are often dismissed as old age.

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The Alzheimer’s Society has put together a list to help people identify symptoms of dementia in themselves and loved ones.

It would mean help arriving earlier, and efforts made to slow down the profess sooner.

The list includes memory problems, such as struggling to find the right words or repeating questions and phrases; issues with daily living such as struggling to pay bills or getting lost; and behavioural or emotional problems such as becoming aggressive, withdrawn, acting inappropriately or walking about.

A poll of 1,019 dementia sufferers and their carers found confusing symptoms with getting old, was the number one reason it took people so long to get a diagnosis.

In light of this, the Alzheimer’s Society launched a new campaign – “It’s not called getting old, it’s called getting ill” – to encourage people worried about their memory or loved ones to get help.

Kate Lee, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Asking the same question over and over again is not called getting old, it’s called getting ill.

“If you’re worried for yourself or someone you love, take the first step this Dementia Action Week – come to Alzheimer’s Society for support.

“The stark findings of our survey released today show just how dangerous it can be to battle dementia symptoms alone and put off getting help.

“Yes, getting a diagnosis can be daunting – I know I was terrified when my mum got diagnosed.

“But it is worth it – over nine in 10 people with dementia told us they benefited from getting a diagnosis. It gave them crucial access to treatment, care and support, and precious time to plan for the future.

“With the pandemic causing diagnosis rates to plunge, it’s more important than ever to seek help. You don’t have to face dementia alone, we’re here to support everyone affected.”

Dr Jill Rasmussen, the clinical representative for dementia at the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: “It’s vital for patients, their families and GPs that conversations with the potential for a diagnosis of dementia are timely and effective.

“The new checklist developed with Alzheimer’s Society is a simple, free tool to help patients and their families clearly communicate their symptoms and concerns during an often time-pressured appointment.

“This resource could make a real difference in identifying those people who require referral for a more detailed evaluation and diagnosis of their problems.

“We’re asking anyone who is worried about possible dementia symptoms to use the checklist and share it with their primary care team.”

BE AWARE

Dementia is an umbrella term, used to describe the deterioration of a person’s mental ability.

There are many different types of the debilitating conditions – one of the most common forms is Alzheimer’s.

It accounts for 60-80 per cent of dementia cases, which is why the names may sometimes be used interchangeably.

Alzheimer’s is a specific form of dementia – it is a degenerative brain disease that is caused by complex brain changes following cell damage.

There is no specific treatment for dementia and tragically no way to reverse the damage to the brain that has already occurred.

However, treatment may help slow down the progression of the condition and the main aim is to treat the underlying cause to help prevent further problems, such as strokes.

Medicines and lifestyle changes will be encouraged including eating healthily, losing weight if necessary, stop smoking, get fit and cutting down on alcohol.

Support such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy is also beneficial, but despite treatment dementia can significantly shorten life expectancy.

The average survival time from diagnosis is around four years and most people will die either from complications of dementia, such as pneumonia, or from a subsequent stroke.