Swathes of symptoms of dementia are often brushed off as inevitable signs of getting older - both by the patient and those around them.
But with almost a million people living with the memory-robbing disease in Britain, it's just as important to pay attention to these little signals - from memory loss to more niche warning signs - to take action as soon as possible.
Speaking to GB News, Dr Mohammed Enayat, a longevity doctor and founder of HUM2N clinic in London, warned: "Early signs of cognitive decline can often be subtle and are sometimes mistaken for normal ageing.
"However, recognising these signs early is critical for timely intervention."
Swathes of symptoms for dementia are often disregarded as inevitable signs of getting older - both by the patient and those around them
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"Common symptoms include short-term memory lapses, such as repeatedly misplacing items, forgetting recent conversations or appointments, as well as difficulty concentrating, slower processing speeds, and trouble finding words or following conversations. Individuals might also notice decreased problem-solving ability or poor judgement."
"Other red flags include changes in mood or personality, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal from social activities," the doctor explained to the People's Channel.
The Mayo Clinic describes mild cognitive impairment as "the in-between stage between typical thinking skills and dementia". While it causes memory loss and trouble with language and judgment, it doesn't affect daily activities.
"People with mild cognitive impairment, also known as MCI, may be aware that their memory or mental ability has changed. Family and close friends also may notice changes."
"But these changes aren't bad enough to impact daily life or affect usual activities," the medical professionals at the clinic said.
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Symptoms of MCI include forgetting things more often, missing appointments or social events, losing their train of thought, and trouble following conversations. People may also experience difficulty finding the right word, making decisions, or following instructions.
The Mayo Clinic notes that MCI raises the risk of developing dementia, although, for some, symptoms might never worsen or even improve.
Echoing Dr Enayat's words, the Alzheimer's Association has also identified specific early warning signs that distinguish dementia from normal ageing.
"One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on memory aids (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own," the association said.
People may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers, having trouble following familiar recipes or keeping track of monthly bills.
Another key symptom is losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time
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Affected individuals can often find it hard to complete daily tasks, sometimes having trouble driving to familiar locations or remembering rules of favourite games, the associated added.
Another key sign is losing track of dates, seasons and the passage of time, with people forgetting where they are or how they arrived there.
Dr Enayat emphasised the importance of clinical assessment when cognitive symptoms present consistently. "While occasional forgetfulness is normal, a consistent pattern that interferes with daily functioning warrants medical assessment," he said.
"From a clinical standpoint, we also consider the role of sleep disturbances, metabolic dysfunction, or micronutrient deficiencies (e.g., B12 or vitamin D) that can mimic or exacerbate cognitive symptoms," Dr Enayat explained.
He further emphasised the need to rule out these treatable conditions before considering more serious diagnoses, saying: "It's essential to rule out reversible causes and, where possible, employ early therapeutic interventions, whether through lifestyle, supplementation, or targeted therapies to preserve cognitive function and quality of life."
If you feel concerned about any symptoms you might be experienced, please consult with a medical professional.
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