Unaware of the Signs: Dementia Awareness Week in Wales Highlights Common Symptoms

In Wales, a worrying trend is emerging: half of adults are unaware that vision changes can be a symptom of dementia, according to a report by Alzheimer's Society Cymru. This lack of awareness is pressing, as dementia can cause significant issues with vision, including judging distances, perceiving object edges, and misinterpreting patterns or reflections. The charity's research also found that many people cannot name common symptoms of dementia, highlighting the need for greater awareness during Dementia Action Week, which runs from May 19 to 24.

Key Takeaways:

• Alzheimer's Society Cymru found that half of adults in Wales are unaware that vision changes can be a symptom of dementia.
• Dementia can cause significant issues with vision, including judging distances, perceiving object edges, and misinterpreting patterns or reflections.
• One in ten people in Wales cannot name a single common symptom of dementia.
• The six most common symptoms of dementia are memory loss, difficulty organising thoughts, communication problems, vision issues, confusion about time or place, and mood or personality changes.
• Alzheimer's Society is encouraging people to use their free symptom checklist and seek help from their GP or other health professional.
• Corinne Mills, interim CEO of Alzheimer's Society, is urging people to seek help and not delay seeking a dementia diagnosis.

Statistics:

• 50% of adults in Wales are unaware that vision changes can be a symptom of dementia.
• 10% of people in Wales cannot name a single common symptom of dementia.
• The six most common symptoms of dementia are:

+ Memory loss

+ Difficulty organising thoughts

+ Communication problems

+ Vision issues

+ Confusion about time or place

+ Mood or personality changes

Sources:

• "Alzheimer's Society Cymru report"
• Rachel Nelson "Country Manager at Alzheimer's Society Cymru", "This Dementia Action Week, we're highlighting the six most common symptoms of dementia and encouraging anyone with concerns to use our free symptom checklist and seek help from their GP or other health professional."
• Corinne Mills "Interim CEO of Alzheimer's Society", this Dementia Action Week, we're highlighting the six most common symptoms of dementia and encouraging anyone with concerns to use our free symptom checklist and seek help from their GP or other health professional.