Changes in patient ability may be a sign of dementia

If an individual can no longer do the things that they used to be able to do they may be exhibiting the early signs of dementia, according to a mental health expert.

Professor June Andrews, director of the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, stated: "[Dementia can be a] diminution of what you used to be able to do, even if you were just exceptionally good at those things before.

"This is why it's important [to properly diagnose dementia,] because in some early stages the medication can help."

According to Ms Andrews, a GP will sometimes ask a patient to sit a series of tests and then come back in three months time and repeat them.

If the patient's performance dramatically decreases, it may be dementia.

This week the government has announced the launch of a new campaign to raise awareness about the early signs of dementia and the importance of early diagnosis for treatment success.

Find out about dementia care and support services at Barchester care homes.