Are YOU showing early signs of DEMENTIA?



New research reveals which memory loss habits are warning signs for Dementia



FADING FAST: Watch out for these warning signs of early stage Alzheimer's.

Forgetting where you parked your car is one thing, but if you find your keys in the fridge there might be a problem. 

New research has revealed which memory issues may indicate the early stages of dementia. 

The study, from researchers at the University of California, found that women who reported problems with their memory were 70 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia decades later. 

Alarmingly, the memory complaints were not significant enough to show up on a standard test despite being noticeable to the women. 



Forgetting the names of close relatives and friends is worrying, say experts



The research, which was published in the journal Neurology, also took into account factors such as education, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and heart disease. 

The Alzheimer's Society said the study could give 'better insight' into determining who will develop the disease in later life. 

But what memory loss can we dismiss, and which should we be mindful of? 

According to Dr Oliver Cockerell, a consultant neurologist at The London Clinic, short-term memory loss shouldn't cause panic.  



If you find your keys in the fridge, there might be a problem



Speaking to the Daily Mail, Dr Cockerell explained: "Our immediate short-term memory is very easily distractible.

"Your brain knows you're unlikely to need to remember a mental task such as going upstairs to get a book in a few hours, so it erases the memory to make more room for the important stuff."

Experts say forgetting where you parked your car, to call back a friend after a busy day, or the name of someone who you just met are normal lapses to have.

Alzheimer's impairs the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for short-term memory

Of greater concern is forgetting the names of close relatives and friends, having difficulty recognising shapes or colours and finding that you've left objects in the wrong place with no memory of why.

The issue is serious when you forget how to perform everyday tasks such as washing, don't recognise your loved ones, or feel disorientated about time and place. 

Dr Corbett said: "People with Alzheimer's can't convert short-term memories into long-term ones, so these die." 

Alzheimer's impairs the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain responsible for short-term memory but long-term memory is generally not affected.