If you have a sense that you might have dementia, you might be feeling a huge range of emotions right now. It’s normal to feel anxious if you have symptoms that are concerning you, but it’s important not to jump to conclusions.
The best thing to do is to talk to a family member or friend about your fears and make an appointment with your GP to ask for an assessment.
It’s very common to feel scared, sad, hopeless, helpless, anxious, depressed and in denial when you have a health concern like dementia.
Not knowing what’s happening can be scary – some people even say they feel huge relief when they receive a dementia diagnosis. This comes from being able to put a name to why they are struggling at work or with relationships or everyday life.
Once you know what’s going on for you, you can take action and put plans in place, which feels positive and purposeful after a period of uncertainty.
Remember, there are other causes of dementia symptoms and until you’ve seen your GP and had an assessment and further tests you won’t know for sure. Don’t delay: if you are living with a condition that isn’t dementia, it will still need addressing. And if you are living with dementia, there are medications that might delay the progress, but taking action is key.
Some common causes of dementia-like symptoms include:
Thyroid issues
Vitamin deficiency
Mental health conditions
Head injury
Infections
Low blood sugar
Circulatory problems
Hormone issues
Whatever you’re feeling right now, know that it’s all normal and you’re not alone. There are support groups you can talk to and experts who can answer your questions. Speak to an Admiral Nurse for advice and support.