The 4 subtle symptoms of dementia you can spot in your eyes years before your memory starts to go

THE eyes are often described as the windows to the soul.

But experts have found that these could also be windows to the brain that predict your risk of dementia.

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Almost a million people in the UK are living with dementia.

And with an aging population, that number is likely to increase, as age is the biggest risk factor for developing the disease.

It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide – 1.8 million people died from it in 2019.

Until scientists discover a cure, being able to diagnose the condition as early as possible gives people the best chance of managing the disease and relieving symptoms.

Earlier diagnosis can also give them and their families more time to understand their diagnosis and plan for the future.

Previous studies have found that conditions such as fatigue, hearing loss, and sleep disorders can predict disease risk.

Now dr. Jørn Slot Jørgensen, chief ophthalmologist at the Laser Eye Clinic in London, warned of the four signs of dementia you can spot in the eyes before memory problems arise.

“In some cases, these signs can be subtle and not immediately apparent.

“In other cases, however, they can be so noticeable that further investigation is needed,” he said The Express.

dr Jørn recommends looking out for the following symptoms:

1. Changes in vision

People with dementia may have visual difficulties, including difficulty judging distances or seeing colors and contrasts

2. Difficulty reading or writing

Dementia can lead to problems with reading comprehension, writing coherently, or understanding symbols and numbers

3. Visual hallucinations

Some people with dementia can experience visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not there).

4. Impaired visual memory

Remembering faces, places or objects can be challenging for people with dementia

He added: “If you notice any warning signs in your eyes, it’s important to take immediate action and speak to your GP.”

Previous research suggests that retinal thinning in a middle-aged person is likely an indicator of cognitive performance in early adult life.

The retina is the delicate tissue that lines the back of the eye. Early screening could help doctors detect Alzheimer’s early.

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It is important to realize that vision problems do not always appear first when a person has dementia.

Other signs of the condition, according to the NHS, include:

• memory loss
• difficulty concentrating
• You find it difficult to do familiar everyday tasks, such as B. if you don’t know which small change is the right one when you’re shopping
• Difficulty following a conversation or finding the right word
• Confusion about time and place
• mood swings

Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone experiences symptoms in their own way.

Two new drugs, called donanemab and lecanemab, have been shown to slow the disease in older people — heralding a new era in which it could become treatable.

The potentially breakthrough drugs are still in the testing phase. Until they are readily available, contracting the disease early promises the best results.