A charity has highlighted key symptoms of dementia that aren’t just signs of “normal ageing”, as a survey showed 85% of Brits delay seeking help. Getting a timely diagnosis can ensure the affected person gets the best support and treatment they need.

A survey by the Alzheimer’s Society has shown that only a third of people report symptoms of dementia to their GPs within a month of noticing them. This included whether the symptoms were seen in themselves or loved ones. And just 15% of respondents sought help “immediately”, meaning 75% put off seeking advice.

Out of the 1,100 respondents surveyed, a significant number remained quiet due to uncertainty over whether the symptoms seen were due to dementia or simply natural age-related changes. “One in three people (33%) who notice symptoms of dementia in themselves or a loved one keep their fears to themselves for over a month,” the charity reported.

A further 11% said they had yet to discuss their observations despite recognising initial symptoms. The reluctance to speak about these warning signs then leads to delays when seeking medical advice, with almost one quarter of people waiting more than half a year to consult a healthcare provider.

Early signs of dementia, such as trouble following conversations, issues with concentration, and memory lapses, are often dismissed as normal ageing symptoms like hearing loss or simple forgetfulness.

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The survey has highlighted that 16% of individuals are actively “avoiding” seeking a diagnosis due to fears about the impact on their personal relationships. It pinpointed seven potential early indicators of dementia as:

• Difficulty following a conversation
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
• Memory loss
  
• Hearing loss
  
• Forgetfulness
  
• Mood swings
  
• Difficulty moving.

Additionally, the survey found that 44% were worried about being patronised by caregivers or family members, who might begin to “talk down” to them. Kate Lee, the former CEO of the Alzheimer’s Society, called for a more open approach: “We can’t continue to avoid the ‘d’ word – we need to face dementia head on.”

The charity outlines signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia as:

• Poor judgment and decision-making
• Inability to manage a budget
• Losing track of the date or the season
• Difficulty having a conversation
• Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them.

In contrast, some typical age-related changes are:.

• Making a bad decision once in a while
• Missing a monthly payment
• Forgetting which day it is and remembering later
• Sometimes forgetting which word to use
• Losing things from time to time.

Ms Lee recommended that anyone who notices signs that something isn’t quite right should use the charity’s symptoms checklist and bring it up with their GP.