According to new NHS figures, the number of people in England being diagnosed with dementia is at an all-time high – with a record 487,432 people living with a diagnosis in June. The country has one of the highest dementia diagnosis rates in the world, with 65% of the total number of people estimated to be living with a form of the disease currently diagnosed (for most high-income countries, the diagnosis rate is 20-25%). Dementia is an umbrella term for progressive conditions associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, and a timely diagnosis is vital. Dr Jeremy Isaacs, national clinical director for dementia, NHS England, said: “Thousands more individuals are being diagnosed each month and more medication reviews are being done within 12 months. If you have noticed that someone has symptoms, please encourage them to visit their GP for an assessment – the sooner someone is seen, the quicker the NHS can help.
” So, what are the warning signs of dementia? 1. Mood changes According to the NHS, dementia is not a natural part of ageing and there are other symptoms people should keep in mind, including the change in mood. But people may not identify these symptoms right away, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time.
In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. Others with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will go on to develop dementia. 2.
Finding it hard to learn n.