Dry mouth is one of the first symptoms of dementia

Experts claim that a peculiar feeling in the mouth can be one of the first indicators of dementia.

“Dementia is a disorder that impairs an individual's ability to remember, think or make decisions,” explains Jim Dunn, clinical geriatric consultant and Senior Helpers board member.

"Dementia is not a specific disease, but a general term used to describe a set of symptoms specific to memory loss and other cognitive impairments that are severe enough to interfere with an individual's ability to perform daily activities ,” he said.

Although there is no cure for dementia, early detection is still important.

"With early treatment and diagnosis, you may be able to slow the progression of dementia and maintain mental function for a longer period of time," says Healthline.

"Treatments may include medication, cognitive training and therapy."

Some early symptoms of dementia can appear years before a person is diagnosed with the disease.

And unlike memory loss and confusion, dry mouth is a possible indicator that is not a common symptom of cognitive decline.

/KP