An expert has warned that an “early” warning sign of dementia could appear when someone is watching TV. According to a doctor, this could be one of the first clues that a loved one has been affected by the condition.

Dementia is a syndrome, or a group of associated symptoms, linked to the ongoing decline of the brain. Almost one million people in the UK are living with dementia, a figure that is expected to rise due to our ageing population.

While many of us are aware of some of the more common signs of dementia, other symptoms may be less noticeable. With this in mind, neurology consultant Doctor Tim Rittman warned that “in its early stages, dementia can be difficult to tell apart from other conditions”.

Writing for Alzheiemer’s Research UK he said: “And that means it can be hard to know how much to worry if you think someone might be a bit different than when you last saw them. That’s understandable – it’s something many of us know very little about.”

However, a YouGov survey showed that less than half of participants (49%) could name “memory loss” as an effect of dementia. And only 12% of the 2,162 participants said they knew dementia causes people to lose their independence, while nearly a quarter (22%) said they had no idea how the condition impacts people.

“It’s a surprising finding, given how dementia will impact so many of us”, Dr Rittman said. “It is important, then, to raise awareness of early signs of dementia so people with symptoms can be referred to a memory clinic for a full assessment and an accurate, timely diagnosis. “An early diagnosis means that people with dementia and their loved ones can plan for the future, access the right care and support, and consider the option of taking part in research.”

Dr Rittman then shared some of the key symptoms to look out for. He said: “When it first starts, dementia’s signs and symptoms are often mild and not that easy to spot.

“Mild forgetfulness, changes to perception or the way we speak can be early indications that something is wrong. It’s really important to know that these kinds of symptoms can have other causes, such as low mood, or the side-effects of medications. But they could be early signs of dementia.”

According to Dr Rittman, problems with memory and thinking are a symptoms of dementia that could become apparent when someone is watching television. They might find following the storyline of a favourite programme “difficult to follow” as a result.

He explained: “Early on forgetfulness could be mild, affecting memory for places or things that have happened in the past. You may notice someone asking the same question in quick succession, or struggling to remember the name of objects around the house.

“People may find they struggle to concentrate on daily tasks, or they may find following the storyline of a TV programme difficult for example.” The NHS lists some common early signs of dementia as:

• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct Change when shopping
• Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
• Being confused about time and place
• Mood changes.

If someone you know displays symptoms of dementia you should speak to a GP.