David Allott witnessed the progression of dementia in his cherished partner of more than 51 years, Margaret.
After initially meeting while working at a restaurant in Levenshulme, Manchester, David and Margaret fell in love. They tied the knot in December 1971 and embarked on a shared career in hotel management, leading a life that took them to various locations around the world. Now, more than five decades later, David chronicled their final journey together, with Margaret facing a losing battle against Alzheimer’s disease in his book “Mirror, Mirror.”
Discussing the early indications of Alzheimer’s disease, Stewart McGinn, the Managing Director at Baycroft Care Homes, pointed out that one of the initial signs could be when a loved one starts “frequently misplacing things or putting items in unusual locations.
Image of an early Alzheimer’s disease brain scan.
If someone you know, whether it’s a partner, parent, or friend, is typically known for their organization but begins to exhibit forgetfulness regarding the placement of objects, this could be an early warning sign. Stewart McGinn added that they might also encounter challenges when attempting to concentrate on tasks involving organization and planning, which could be attributed to Alzheimer’s disease.
A more noticeable symptom of this brain condition is the emergence of language difficulties. McGinn clarified that regularly experiencing difficulty in recalling words or substituting them with random words in sentences can be an indication that someone is affected by this condition.
Dementia can impact the loved ones of anyone.
Moreover, one of the most conspicuous indications of dementia is the repetitive loss of memory. Instances of this behavior may encompass actions like re-reading the newspaper, reiterating stories, or failing to recall the name of an acquaintance.
It’s also essential to be aware of less recognized symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, including mood swings. Stewart McGinn explained that this could manifest as a person’s mood swiftly transitioning from a calm state to one of anger or heightened emotional sensitivity without apparent cause, or they may become notably more withdrawn or anxious.
If you notice signs of dementia in a loved one, the initial step is to schedule a medical appointment with a doctor.
“Following this, the doctor will assess whether the patient should be referred to a specialist, which could include professionals like a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or geriatrician,” explained Mcginn. “There are several dementia charities and support helplines available to provide comfort and assistance to your loved one during this challenging period.”
David Allott has authored a candid narrative of his journey through his wife’s dementia in his book titled “Mirror, Mirror.”
This information was reported by CHANELLE GEORGINA, a Senior Health Reporter located in London, specializing in health matters since 2020.
