Dementia is the name given to a group of symptoms linked to an ongoing decline in brain function. You could be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you find small changes to your usual demeanour.

There are a number of different types of dementia, and the most common in the UK is Alzheimer’s disease.

Diagnosing the condition early could help to slow down the condition’s progress.

Making some small lifestyle changes could lower your chances of developing Alzheimer’s in later life.

One of the earliest warning signs of Alzheimer’s is a change to your eyesight.

Many dementia patients report vision loss as an early sign of their condition.

It may not be as extreme as suddenly everything turning blurry, but it could make some daily activities slightly more difficult.

For example, some patients may find that it takes a few seconds longer to focus when they’re reading.

If you notice any changes to your eyesight, however minute, you should consider speaking to a doctor or an optometrist.

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“Vision problems can also occur [in Alzheimer’s patients]. This may be as simple as an increased difficulty in reading,” said medical website Healthline.

“You or a loved one may also begin to have problems judging distance and determining contrast or colour when driving.

“Talk to a doctor if you or a loved one is finding it increasingly difficult to perform day-to-day tasks, or if you or a loved one is experiencing increased memory loss.

“They’ll conduct a medical exam and a neurological exam to aid in the diagnosis.”

But, just because you’ve noticed a change to your eyesight, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dementia.

Visual impairment could be caused by a number of different conditions, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, or even diabetes.

Some people may find that they see flashes of light for no obvious reason, or they could even develop double vision.

There are treatments available for some kinds of sight loss, so speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

There’s no certain way to prevent dementia from developing, but there are ways to lower your risk, said the NHS.

Eating a healthy, balanced diet should help to lower your chances of developing dementia.

It’s also important to do enough exercise. Everyone should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.

There are around 850,000 people in the UK with dementia, and the condition affects one in every six people over 80 years old.

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