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.
1. Forgetting about recent conversations or events - early symptom
Forgetting about recent conversations or events - early symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
2. Misplacing items - early symptom
Misplacing items - early symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
3. Forgetting the names of places and objects - early symptom
Forgetting the names of places and objects - early symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock
4. Having trouble thinking of the right word - early symptom
Having trouble thinking of the right word - early symptom (Picture: Shutterstock) Photo: Shutterstock