Dementia symptoms: Six signs to look out for and how to prevent it

Symptoms can start suddenly or come on slowly over time.

Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way.

But there are some common early symptoms that can appear some time before diagnosis.

• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
• Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
• Being confused about time and place
• Mood changes

There’s no certain way to prevent dementia, and there’s currently no cure, but experts believe there are ways the disease can be prevented.

What’s good for your heart is also good for your brain, and with this in mind, the health body also suggests six ways to help reduce your risk of dementia.

• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Keeping alcohol to a minimum
• Stopping smoking
• Keeping blood pressure at a healthy level

Alzheimer’s Society recommends giving your brain a daily workout by learning another language.

“If you can keep your mind active you are likely to reduce your risk of dementia. There is a bit less evidence, but keeping socially engaged and having a good social network may also reduce your dementia risk.

“Visit people or have them visit you, join a club or volunteer.”

The research charity also recommends a number of other things you can do to reduce your risk of developing the neurodegenerative disease.