Experts have warned about an early dementia warning sign that is less commonly-known than other symptoms such as memory loss.
According to the Alzheimer's Society, Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain and the symptoms get worse over time.
For this reason it can cause problems with memory as well as behavioural changes. It can also affect a person’s ability to think, speak and carry out daily activities, the Express reports.
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Perhaps less known is the physical impact it can have as in some cases it can affect a person’s movement.
Dementia charity Alzheimer Scotland has shared a specific movement-related symptom you might notice when someone is using the stairs. Its website states: “People often assume that memory loss and dementia are one and the same, but there are other key symptoms and signs to look out for.
“Every person with dementia is different. How their illness affects them depends on which areas of their brain are most damaged.”
Therefore, a person with dementia may struggle to walk up and down the stairs. They might also have difficulty lifting their legs, and they might be more prone to slipping or falling.
The charity's website continues: “Dementia can cause problems with how we move about in our surrounding area. Things like slips, trips and falls might become more common.
“You might start to notice that a person is shuffling as opposed to lifting their legs when they are walking.”
If someone you know is experiencing difficulties with walking on the stairs as well as other symptoms of dementia you should arrange for them to see their GP.
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