SYMPTOM CHECKER The hidden sign of early-stage dementia you might spot towards the end of each month

IT'S well known that memory loss and confusion are symptoms of dementia.

But there are many other more subtle - and perhaps lesser known - signs that can indicate early-onset of the mind-robbing disease.

US scientists have found that having money management issues can one of the earliest alarm bells.

This includes spending too much money so you can't pay your bills at the end of the months - or forgetting to pay bills entirely.

The 2021 study, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, found people with the disease were making repeated financial mistakes as early as six years before their diagnosis.

The findings were based off the health records of 81,000 people with dementia.

However, it is also important to remember that some of these well-known changes, such as sudden mood changes, can simply be signs of old age.

One in 11 people in the UK suffer from dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

This number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years as people continue to live longer - as ageing is a major risk factor of the disease.

Like with many conditions, getting an early diagnosis is important as it gives people the best chance of managing the disease and alleviating symptoms.

Other early signs of the condition include:

• 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

Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way.