When a man visited his cardiologist due to symptoms he attributed to work stress, he was surprised when the doctor noticed a significant sign that led to a life-changing diagnosis.
Jim Rogers, a father of three from the UK, sought help from the cardiology department in Australia, where he lived and worked, after his colleagues and partner noticed some concerning symptoms.
Initially, Jim believed his issues were related to his heart, but a frustrated cardiologist picked up on something else, prompting a referral to a different department where the true underlying condition was discovered.
During his appointment, the doctor noticed Jim's phone constantly ringing, which ultimately led to further tests after observing his unusual response to a simple request to put the phone on silent.
After confirming his difficulties, Jim was referred to a memory clinic where he underwent brain scans and assessments, eventually receiving a formal diagnosis of young-onset dementia after meeting with a neurologist.
Reflecting on the moment he had to share the news with his partner, Jim expressed his initial lack of knowledge about the disease and its impact on younger individuals.
Early signs of dementia, as outlined by the NHS, include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, confusion with daily tasks, and mood changes among others.
Following Jim's diagnosis, Australian lawmakers introduced a new drug called Kisunla for treating early-stage Alzheimer's Disease, offering potential help to those experiencing initial symptoms.
However, the drug is not a universal solution, with estimates suggesting that only a small percentage of dementia patients may benefit from it, given the large number of individuals affected by the condition in Australia.
Source: LADbible