The hidden sign of early dementia symptoms in the way you speak – when to see a doctor

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Dementia is the name given to a group of symptoms linked to an ongoing decline in brain function. You could be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you start to notice some subtle changes to your voice.

There are a number of different types of dementia, and the most common in the UK is Alzheimer’s disease.

Diagnosing the condition early could help to slow down the condition’s progress.

Making some small lifestyle changes could lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s in later life.

One of the earliest warning signs of dementia is developing new problems with speaking.

Some Alzheimer’s patients may struggle to join in a with a conversation, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

They may pause halfway through a sentence, and struggle to finish their train of thought.

Other patients may develop new problems with vocabulary, it added.

They could often use the wrong words when describing a familiar object or place.

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“People living with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation,” it said.

“They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves.

“They may struggle with vocabulary, have trouble naming a familiar object or use the wrong name [e.g., calling a ‘watch’ a ‘hand-clock’].

“If you notice any of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s in yourself or someone you know, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.”

You could also be at risk of dementia if you develop unexplained memory lapses.

These memory lapses can come in a number of different ways, and they tend to affect each patient differently.

Some people may forget about their most recent conversations, which could lead to repeating themselves, or asking similar questions within a short space of time.

Memory lapses will likely be accompanied by growing signs of frustration or anxiety, it added.

There’s no certain way to prevent dementia from developing, but there are ways to lower your risk, said the NHS.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet should help to lower your chances of developing dementia.

It’s also important to do enough exercise. Everyone should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

There are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia, and the condition affects one in every six people over 80 years old.

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