Currently, around 982,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, and this number is predicted to increase to 1.4 million by 2040.
While the topic of dementia is becoming more widely discussed, there are still many aspects of the condition that remain unknown. According to Dr Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist, people may exhibit subtle signs of Alzheimer’s years prior to receiving a diagnosis.
He shared his insights in a TikTok video, stating: “So, what are the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s? We actually see it in the brain decades before you have any symptoms – whether or not you’re vulnerable.
“The parts of the brain that start to die are your parietal lobes, so you might get lost more easily, or you can’t park straight anymore when you used to be able to park straight, and your temporal lobes. So you go into a room and you don’t know why you’re there or you begin to lose words – like ‘I know this word, this word, I can’t find the words’.”
The video has garnered over 40,000 views and thousands of comments, with many sharing their personal experiences. One commenter expressed concern, saying: “Perimenopause symptoms are very similar – this scares me to death.”
Another shared a similar experience, writing: “That’s been happening to me.” A third also chimed in with: “Don’t say that. I’m 35, and have done that my whole life. Walking into a room and not remembering why I’m there, or forgetting the word I’m trying.”
It’s crucial to understand that these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate you’ll develop Alzheimer’s. However, if your symptoms are getting worse or causing concern, it might be time to consult with a healthcare professional.
The NHS outlines that Alzheimer’s disease symptoms typically develop gradually over many years and vary from person to person. In the initial stages, memory lapses are often the most noticeable sign of early Alzheimer’s.
For instance, someone in the early phase of the disease may:
- Forget about recent conversations or events
- Misplace things
- Forget names of places and objects
- Struggle to find the right words
- Ask repetitive questions
- Find it difficult to make decisions
- Are nervous to try new things