More than 500,000 people suffer from Alzheimer’s, but it is still an uncomfortable subject for many people.

Earlier this year, a survey undertaken by the Alzheimer’s Society revealed that almost 50 per cent of people are frightened to tell loved ones that they fear they may have this most common form of dementia.

Alzheimer’s causes a decline in the way someone’s brain functions, affecting memory and the way they behave.

There are a number of common signs which could potentially mean the onset of Alzheimer’s, including:

• Memory loss that starts to affect someone’s daily routines, e.g. forgetting appointments or struggling to recall people’s names;
• Finding it hard to plan or solve problems, e.g. adding up a shopping bill or balancing a cheque book;
• Completing daily tasks, e.g. changing the time on a clock, recording a favourite TV programme or even playing a favourite board game;
• Confusion over time, e.g. remembering what day of the week it is;
• Inability to understand visual images, e.g. difficulty reading or identifying colours;
• Difficulty in conversation, e.g. finding the right words or repeating sentences;
• Losing things around the home, e.g. a pair of glasses or the TV remote control;
• Failure of judgement, e.g. often concerning money;
• Pulling back from work or social activities, e.g. choosing not to have a drink after work with colleagues or losing interest in attending social or sporting clubs;
• Mood changes, e.g. tendency towards depression or feeling confused or uncertain.

Alzheimer’s affects one in 14 people over the age of 65, according to the Alzheimer’s Society, and one in six over the age of 80.

A GP is usually the best place to start if you or a family member has concerns as they will be able to refer on to the relevant specialist if necessary.

Our team of carers across our many franchises and branches in the UK are hugely experienced in working with people suffering from Alzheimer’s and with the families of those affected by the disease, so find your nearest SureCare to find out more.