Early signs of dementia can appear 18 years before diagnosis, as per study

Dementia refers to a group of symptoms that can range from memory loss to impaired thinking and problem-solving abilities that usually affects people in old age. Dementia is a general disease. That said, it can be caused by other illnesses. It is not a specific or single disease, rather consists of many other medical conditions. Alzheimers is the most common cause of progressive dementia.

As of now, there is no real cure for dementia, however, scientific finding suggests it can be detected early. This not only helps us be aware of the possible condition, but also pushes us to strengthen our brain health and defences.

When it comes to dementia, it is impossible to tell who is more prone to the illness. However, a study involving over 2,000 people showed that memory and thinking tests can reveal differences in people who go on to develop Alzheimer's disease up to 18 years before diagnosis.

As per the test that was completed 13 to 18 years before the study ended, it was found that a lower score in cognitive tests was linked to an 85 percent higher risk of possible dementia. This also indicates that the development of Alzheimer's disease may start many years before diagnosis.

According to doctor Doug Brown, former Director of Research and Development at Alzheimer's Society, "Dementia often causes changes in the brain years before the symptoms become apparent." "This study shows that there may be subtle indications of Alzheimer's disease in thinking and memory as many as 18 years before a formal diagnosis could take place, " he says.

While the doctor clarifies that these tests may not accurately predict who will develop dementia, it could be used to detect people who are more prone to the illness.

There can be different variations of dementia symptoms. Some can be defined by the cognitive changes, while others are determined by the psychological changes.

Symptoms associated with cognitive changes are:

- Loss of memory

- Difficulty finding words or completing a sentence

- Inability to solve problems

- Difficulty with coordination

- Confusion

Symptoms associated with psychological changes are:

- Depression

- Change in personality

- Paranoia

- Hallucination

- Anxiety

While being old makes you more prone to Alzheimers disease, experts claim the risks can be reduced with regular exercise, healthy eating and staying happy.

Working out regularly and keeping yourself fit makes you less prone to dementia and also keeps stress and anxiety at bay. This in turn reduces risk of heart ailments and other chronic illnesses.

According to the Alzheimer's Society (AS), "Even 10 minutes at a time is good for you and try to avoid sitting down for too long."