SYMPTOM CHECKER
The 4 symptoms you might blame on ageing but should get checked by your GP
AGEING Brits wouldn’t visit their GP if they suffered from memory loss, forgetfulness or a decline in decision-making abilities, a new study suggests.
Despite being at the highest risk of developing Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), just three per cent of Brits over the age of 55 said they would go to the doctor if they suffered symptoms.
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MCI is a decline in cognitive functioning considered a transitional stage between normal ageing and dementia.
It occurs when the brain has less glucose available as an energy source and leads to memory loss, forgetfulness, and a decline in decision-making ability and judgement.
A study of 2,000 adults, conducted by , revealed that more than a quarter of people consider these symptoms to be a normal part of ageing rather than anything more serious.
It also emerged that more than half know little, or nothing, about MCI - despite the condition being twice as common as dementia.
But what are the four key signs you need to know when it comes to MCI?
1. Forgetfulness
One strain of MCI is called Amnesic MCI and affects the memory.
People with this strain will start to forget information that they would usually be able to recall easily.
This could include appointments, conversations or recent events.
2. Decision making
If you're struggling to pass judgement or make decisions on things then you could be suffering with Nonamnestic MCI.
This is a strain of the illness that effects other thinking skills as well as your memory.
3. Unable to judge time
We all lose track of time now or then but this can also be a sign of Nonamnestic MCI.
This can include not knowing what time it is, or can also include not being able to judge the amount of time something takes.
It can also refer to the steps that need to be completed to get to a certain point.
4. Visual perception
While it's easily for people to see things in a different light, a sign of MCI could be when your visual perception of something is altered.
This refers to when the brain has to make sense of what the eyes are actually seeing.
Experts have now discovered that a drink could be the key to helping people with these symptoms.
Nestlé Health Science, has created a specialised ketogenic drink, BrainXpert - the first effective nutritional intervention for the condition, signalling a major break-through for mild cognitive impairment that, until now, has had no available treatments.
Clinical trials found that a compound within the drink is an alternative brain energy source for people with MCI.
It’s not uncommon for people to shrug off symptoms of cognitive decline as simply signs of ‘getting older,’if you are becoming increasingly forgetful, you should speak to a healthcare professional
Hans-Juergen Woerle
Trial participants showed improved memory recall as well as an increased ability to think quicker and multitask when taking it twice a day for six months.
Clinical trial principal investigator, Professor Stephen Cunnane, from the University of Sherbrooke, said: “Identifying significant improvement in cognitive function in patients with MCI is an exciting development that gives us great motivation to stay on this research track.
“This is only the beginning and the hope is that new innovations can be found to not just boost brain function, but to slow down progression to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline linked to ageing.
“These results should significantly improve the quality of life for people living with Mild Cognitive Impairment.”
The study also revealed Brits regularly forget to message or call someone back, they also forget common words or to go to appointments.
What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) causes cognitive changes such as memory loss that are recognised by family members of those affected.
It is not severe enough for the sufferer to notice a change to their daily lives.
It is a condition that usually impacts people in older age and it is estimated that around 15 to 20 per cent of people over the age of 65 suffer from the condition.
Symptoms:
- Forgetting appointments, conversations or recent events
- Unable to make sound decisions
- Unable to judge time
- Visual perception
It also found that a quarter often forget their friend’s name while others also missed birthday parties.
The experts also revealed that 46 per cent have completely lost their train of thought mid-sentence, with 23 per cent having left the oven on and one in six have left their keys locked in the house.
More than six in 10 adults have also walked into a room with no recollection why, according to the findings via OnePoll.
Finding milk in the cupboard, getting on the wrong bus or train and finding sunglasses you've been looking for perched on your head were other forgetful things Brits have done.
And while one in six finds this type of behaviour embarrassing, 31 per cent put it down to a "mental lapse" - with 26 per cent believing it to be "no big deal".
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Hans-Juergen Woerle, chief medical and scientific officer for Nestlé Health Science, said: “It’s not uncommon for people to shrug off symptoms of cognitive decline as simply signs of ‘getting older,’ but if you are becoming increasingly forgetful or feel that you are not thinking as clearly as you used to, you should speak to a healthcare professional.
“Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment should be taken seriously.
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“Nestlé Health Science’s research into MCI and its development of a clinically proven nutritional intervention to help improve brain function in people with MCI is a game-changer.
“It’s part of our ongoing commitment to using the science of nutrition to develop products that can help people live healthier lives.”
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