Summary
Researchers, including Andrea Tales from Swansea University, are highlighting the importance of recognizing changes in attention as an early sign of dementia, which is often overlooked in favor of memory tests. They suggest that paying more attention to cognitive shifts could aid in earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Key Facts
- Dementia often begins with memory loss, but attention changes can appear earlier.
- Andrea Tales, a neuropsychologist, emphasizes that different types of attention, like different types of memory, are important to consider.
- People may have difficulty focusing, become easily distracted, or struggle with multi-tasking as early signs.
- Standard memory tests like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) may miss early attention problems.
- Understanding shifts in attention could improve early diagnosis and targeted support for individuals.
- Families can help by reducing clutter if a loved one struggles to find items, which can improve daily life.
- Andrea Tales encourages discussing new or worsening attention changes with healthcare professionals.
