There are a number of different symptoms under the umbrella term of dementia.
The Alzheimer's Society has excellent information and practical tips, including:
Dementia Discovery
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Are your worried about dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term often used to describe a range of symptoms that indicate a decline in cognitive function. These symbols include things such as memory loss, "brain fog", confusion and problems with speech and understanding, that get worse over time.
Dementia can affect a person at any age but it is more common in people over the age of 65.
There are other reasons why someone may experience these symptoms and it is important that you speak to your GP if you, or the people close to you, are concerned that you may be experiencing dementia. Even if you’re feeling worried or anxious, or it turns out to be something else, they will want to see you
Memory problems do not necessarily mean you have dementia. These problems can have other causes, such as:
- depression and anxiety
- sudden confusion (delirium) caused by a medical condition, such as an infection
- an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- side effects of some medicines
Younger-onset dementia is a rare condition. 450 people in Leeds are living with a dementia which was diagnosed under the age of 65. This is fewer than 2 people in every 1,000 of the population aged 40-70.
For some women, dementia symptoms may develop at the same time as perimenopause or menopause, which can bring additional challenges.
Dementia UK has developed a useful guide to the different symptoms experienced with menopause and perimenopause, compared with young onset dementia. As it says, “Brain fog is a very common symptom of menopause, and women often say that their brain feels like ‘cotton wool”.
Find out more about young onset dementia and perimeopause and menopause from Dementia UK
Whether you’re exploring treatment options for perimenopause or menopause, or worried that you might have dementia, do make an appointment with your GP.
Other people you could talk to
In addition to your GP practice team the following organisations offer free and impartial information and support.
Alzheimer's Society
The Alzheimers Society has a Dementia Support Line, and can put you in touch with the Leeds team of Memory Support Workers.
Find out more about the Dementia Support line.
Carers Leeds
Carers Leeds can help families and other unpaid supporters. It can really help to have someone to talk to eg. if the person is denying any problems.