In England, 439,508 patients had a recorded dementia diagnosis as of 31 August 2021, with 62% of those aged 65 and over having a dementia diagnosis, according to NHS Digital.
Of the 439,508 patients with a diagnosis, 424,557 were among people aged 65 and over, with it being estimated that a total of 684,325 65s and over actually have dementia. This means more than a third of people (38%) who have dementia don't know they have it.
But what are the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s to look out for? These are the early, middle-stage and later symptoms of Alzheimer’s – which is the most common cause of dementia in the UK - according to the NHS.
13. Changes in mood, such as frequent mood swings, depression and feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated or agitated - middle-stage symptom
Changes in mood, such as frequent mood swings, depression and feeling increasingly anxious, frustrated or agitated - middle-stage symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
14. Difficulty performing spatial tasks, such as judging distances - middle-stage symptom
Difficulty performing spatial tasks, such as judging distances - middle-stage symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
15. Seeing or hearing things that other people do not - middle-stage symptom
Seeing or hearing things that other people do not - middle-stage symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
16. Difficulty eating and swallowing - later symptom
Difficulty eating and swallowing - later symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock