Campaign to raise awareness of dementia symptoms

7:56am Friday 8th April 2011

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ONLY 43 per cent of people with dementia in our region have been formally diagnosed, according to a new study.

The research, conducted in people over 40 in the Yorkshire and Humber region, show that many do not know how to spot the early signs of dementia.

More than half of those questioned (55 per cent) admitted they would not know the difference between the signs and symptoms of the disease and the normal signs of ageing.

Nicki Dyson, Yorkshire and Humber area manager for the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Being aware of the signs and symptoms of dementia is the essential first step needed to seeking a diagnosis.

“Signs can include a range of changes in behaviour, including finding it hard to follow conversations or programmes on TV, repeating things or having problems with thinking and reasoning.

“With an ageing population dementia is a real health concern, and we must ensure that as many people as possible get advice from their doctor if they are worried about the signs.”

The findings come as the NHS launches a campaign urging people to talk to loved ones if they suspect they, or someone close to them could be showing signs of the illness.

The campaign wants everyone to be able to spot the early warning signs, though in Yorkshire and The Humber, 87 per cent of people said they would bring up the subject with a loved one if they were seeing signs of memory loss.

Professor Alistair Burns, national clinical director for dementia, said: “It is crucial that people do talk about their concerns as early as possible and don’t wait until a crisis situation forces them into it.

“The sooner someone is diagnosed with dementia the sooner they can access the treatment and support to help them live well with the condition.”

For further information about spotting dementia, visit nhs.uk/dementia

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