Dementia is the name given to a group of symptoms linked to an ongoing decline in brain function. You could be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you develop difficulties with your vocabulary.
There are a number of different types of dementia, and the most common in the UK is Alzheimer’s disease.
Diagnosing the condition early could help to slow down the condition’s progress.
You could be at risk of Alzheimer’s if you notice that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to write letters or documents.
Some dementia patients may stop in the middle of their writing, as they try to remember the right word or object.
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Dementia symptoms: Alzheimer’s disease signs include writing problems and memory loss (Image: GETTY Images)
They could find that they’re repeating themselves in their speaking or writing on a number of occasions.
It’s perfectly normal to occasionally forget the right word to use in conversation, or with your writing.
But, if it happens frequently, then you may want to consider speaking to a doctor.
“Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or other dementia,” said the Alzheimer’s Association charity.
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“People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation.
“They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves.
“They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name [e.g. calling a ‘watch’ a ‘hand-clock’].
“If you notice any of [these signs], don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.”
Dementia symptoms: Speak to a doctor if you’re worried about the signs of dementia (Image: GETTY Images)
You could also be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you find it difficult to complete everyday tasks, it added.
Struggling to navigate your car journey to a common destination is one of the earliest warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Some patients also struggle to organise a shopping list, or remember the rules of their favourite game.
But, again, it’s completely normal to need extra help as we get older, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dementia.
There’s no certain way to prevent dementia from developing, but there are ways to lower your risk, said the NHS.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet should help to lower your chances of developing dementia.
It’s also important to do enough exercise. Everyone should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.
There are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia, and the condition affects one in every six people over 80 years old.
