Do I have dementia?

When we forget things it is very common, particularly if you are a bit older, to worry that we are showing the first symptoms of dementia. In my column this month I want to explore this and hopefully give some reassurance or encourage you to take some action if necessary.

When should I worry?

All of us forget things, it is quite normal. Some of us more than others and generally, as we get older we do become more forgetful, although my 14 year old daughter regularly demonstrates that young people can be forgetful too.

We all also have those situations when we walk into a room and cannot remember why we had gone upstairs in the first place. Again, nothing to worry unduly about. 

Short term memory loss is a common symptom of dementia, in particular Alzheimer’s Disease but it is not the only symptom and a bit of forgetfulness should not be a massive cause for concern. 

The NHS says the following are also possible signs of dementia:

• increasing difficulty with tasks and activities that require concentration and planning
• changes in personality and mood
• periods of mental confusion
• difficulty finding the right words or not being able to understand conversations as easily

If you are experiencing some of the above or are really worried about increasing forgetfulness then, perhaps it is time to seek some medical advice. In the first instance you are best to contact your GP. It is probably worth taking a friend with you.

Why should I seek medical help?

Some people are understandably concerned about being diagnosed with dementia, it is a horrible disease and the thought of being given the label of having dementia is frightening. 

The thing is that whether you have an official diagnosis or not makes no difference at all to the reality of the condition. If you have a test and do not have it you will be reassured. If you do have it then the diagnosis: 

• opens up access to medical treatments that can help with the symptoms
• enables support for you and just as importantly support for family members
• allows you and family members to plan ahead

If you are feeling a bit concerned that you may have dementia, my advice is to keep talking as problems are nearly always easier when you share them with others. 

My next free dementia awareness session is at 2pm on 19 January at Farnham Maltings. Please do come along if you want to know a little more about dementia. To book a place, call 01252 745444 or visit Farnham Maltings’ website.

Alastair Shanks, Owner Right at Home GF and Dementia Friends Champion