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The festive season is a special time to reconnect with loved ones, often providing an opportunity to notice changes in their behaviour that might not be apparent during shorter visits or phone calls. For families with ageing relatives, it can be a crucial moment to identify early signs of cognitive decline, including memory loss. The most likely cause for these symptoms, as we all grow older, is Alzheimer’s disease. Today, detecting the signs of early Alzheimer’s can lead to timely intervention, ensuring your loved one gets the support they need, including the opportunity for them to access new-generation medications to slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease and its symptoms.
That’s why spotting the signs, as early as possible, and taking action, is the secret to changing each person’s future.
Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
It’s critical to spot the early symptoms of cognitive decline, which start long before the onset of “dementia”, the point at which some loss of independence is reached. These early symptoms can be much more subtle than short-term memory loss. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Re:Cognition Health to arrange an assessment. Visit https://recognitionhealth.com/contact/ or call 020 3355 3536.
Subtle Changes in Behaviour and Mood
While everyone experiences mood changes occasionally, more pronounced and persistent changes are not “normal”. In particular, sudden mood swings, a new and increased level of agitation, irritability, anxiety, suspicion or paranoia are red flags.
An inexplicable change in personality, can also be an early sign of cognitive decline. A once-outgoing individual becoming withdrawn, with a loss of interest in hobbies or activities enjoyed, previously. Cognitive decline can affect the brain’s emotional and impulse control centres. Look out for a change in the family dynamics which can be triggered by this unpredictable and unfamiliar behaviour.
Issues with Visual-Spatial Awareness
This affects our normal visual and spatial processing. For example: more difficulty on judging distances or navigating one’s surroundings; misjudging steps, trouble reaching for objects or problems navigating furniture. There may also be a tendency to falls or have accidents.
This can also affect precision with everyday tasks that rely on visual-spatial skills; for example, pouring a drink, reading a map, or even distinguishing between textures. If your relative appears more hesitant, especially in unfamiliar environments, it could be a sign that their brain is struggling to process visual information as it once did.
Difficulty with Language and Communication
Listen carefully, you may notice a loved one is forgetting and or substituting incorrect words or struggling to form coherent sentences. Even using vague language, repeating themselves, or finding it hard to follow group discussions.
Unfortunately, these difficulties can lead to frustration or embarrassment, causing your loved one to withdraw from social interactions. Over time, the ability to communicate effectively may decline further, impacting their connection with family and friends.
Loss of Sense of Direction
Getting lost in a familiar environment is another common early symptom of dementia. When more severe, this could happen even when on a walk or shopping near home.
These symptoms occur because dementia affects the brain regions responsible for spatial memory and navigation. During the festive period, you might notice your loved one showing signs of disorientation, even in environments they know well.
As cognitive decline progresses – Struggling with Everyday Tasks
Tasks that have always been performed with ease, cooking, dressing, or managing personal hygiene, can become increasingly difficult as cognitive decline progresses. For instance, your relative may start preparing a meal but forget to turn off the oven, or they may begin dressing and stop halfway, confused about what to do next.
These challenges arise due to impaired executive function, which affects planning, organisational ability and remembering sequences. During the holidays, keep an eye out for signs of struggle with routine tasks which will lead to a noticeable decline in their ability to manage daily activities.
Challenges with Money Management
Financial difficulties can also signal early cognitive decline. Your loved one might forget to pay bills, struggle with basic calculations, or make uncharacteristic purchases. They may also become more vulnerable to financial scams. These issues not only jeopardise their financial wellbeing but also highlight a decline in judgment and analytical skills.
If you notice bills piling up or unusual transactions, it might be time to step in and offer to help.
Difficulty Making Decisions
Decision-making can become increasingly challenging for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. This results in hesitation or confusion when faced with simple choices, such as deciding what to wear or what to eat. Or an irrational decision is made which may be out of character.
Over time, the ability to make decisions independently may diminish, impacting your loved one’s autonomy and quality of life. During the festive period, you might observe them struggling with choices they once made effortlessly.
Short-Term Memory Loss
A prevalent early indicator of Alzheimer’s is a noticeable decline in short-term memory. This can present as difficulty remembering names, significant dates, or repeatedly asking the same questions. While occasional forgetfulness is normal, persistent issues with recalling recent information or events may signal a deeper concern. Short-term memory plays a vital role in daily life, enabling individuals to complete tasks and maintain independence. As it deteriorates, the ability to manage day-to-day activities can be significantly compromised, underscoring the importance of early recognition and intervention.
What to Do If You Notice Any of These Signs?
Take Early Action!!
As we grow older, the signs are most likely to be due to early and progressive Alzheimer’s Disease. But with amazing scientific advances in 2024, two brand new treatments are emerging on the market and many more medications in the late stages of development are available through international clinical trials. That’s why it’s important to start with a quick assessment to see if there really is a decline in memory and other aspects of cognition.
Contact Re:Cognition Health’s Patient Engagement team to arrange a cognitive assessment today on 020 3355 3536
How to access new medications designed to slow, or ideally halt, progression of Memory loss and decline in other aspects of our thinking ability due to early Alzheimer’s?
Two new medications ( Leqembi® and Kisunla™) demonstrated to slow progression of early Alzheimer’s were approved in the UK in 2024. These are not available via the NHS, but are available privately, however they are expensive and, therefore will not be the solution for everyone.
But these and similar medications, designed to slow / halt this frightening loss of memory and thinking ability, which makes us who we are, are available at no cost to participants taking part in international clinical trials.
If you would want the chance for yourself, a loved one, or friend to have the opportunity to slow or halt progression of their memory loss and other symptoms. ACT NOW and contact us. Learn more here: https://recognitionhealth.com/clinical-trial/alzheimers-disease/
Re:Cognition Health is a leading centre, globally, for clinical trials; with 6 centres in the UK and 4 in the USA offering patients the opportunity to access groundbreaking therapies.
The festive season offers a unique opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones, allowing you to notice changes in their behaviour and wellbeing. By recognising the early signs of cognitive decline, you can help your relative seek the support and treatment they need, ensuring they continue to enjoy the best possible quality of life.
