A leading dementia specialist has told of three key techniques people should use to speak honestly with a loved one who may be showing early signs of the condition. 

Dementia is now the UK's biggest killer. Figures suggest around a million people are thought to have the condition in the UK.

Yet it's estimated that a third of those currently struggling with dementia are undiagnosed—including some who are reluctant to seek a diagnosis. 

Now, Michelle McGowan, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK has urged Britons to tackle the tough conversation and encourage their loved ones to visit their GP using three methods—which categorises as 'acting', 'explaining' and 'supporting'. 

She told the Daily Mail: 'There are over 200 types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. 

'Each type of dementia has a unique set of symptoms which can make identifying whether someone may be exhibiting signs of dementia, difficult.'

Acting, one of the three techniques, involves striking up the initial conversation when their loved one 'suddenly becomes upset or frustrated with themselves', Ms McGowan said. 

'This can be a good opportunity to have a conversation with them about the symptoms they are experiencing and if they'd like support with seeking help.' 

Explaining—the second technique—involves pointing out that troubling symptoms could have many different causes.

This is preferable, experts say, to focusing on fears it may be dementia. Instead, it can encourage the person to seek advice from their GP.

Approaching it this way ‘makes it less daunting than suggesting they seek a diagnosis of dementia,’ she added.

A prompt diagnosis for any potential health condition, including dementia, can ensure loved ones get the right support sooner.

'It's natural for people to be reluctant to see a GP or to be afraid of getting a dementia diagnosis,' Ms McGowan told the Daily Mail.

'However, while it may feel overwhelming, early diagnosis is vital for enabling the person with dementia and their family to be able to plan for the future, with their wishes at the forefront of all decisions regarding their care.

The third technique, supporting, can take a variety of forms but may include accompanying loved ones to appointments or simply being there to talk. 

'Seeking support can be tough, and people will appreciate help in arranging the appointment and attending it,' she added. 

'You can also help them to keep a symptom diary which will support a healthcare professional to make an accurate and timely diagnosis.'

Memory problems, thinking and reasoning difficulties and language problems are common early symptoms of dementia, which then worsen over time. 

Memory problems, including failing to recognize beloved spouses, partners, children and siblings, can take different forms. 

Some relatives report that while a loved one with dementia can no longer retrieve a name or an exact relationship, they still seem happy to see them.

US researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have also pointed to a startling phenomenon known as 'paradoxical lucidicity'. 

It occurs when a loved one with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, like dementia, experiences a sudden, brief, and unexpected return of mental clarity, communication, and awareness. 

They could, for instance, come up with a name, say a few appropriate words, crack a joke, make eye contact or sing along with a radio.

Though common, these episodes generally last only seconds and don’t mark a real change in the person’s decline, scientists say. 

Efforts to recreate the experiences tend to fail.

Experts have also increasingly begun investigating how family members respond when a loved one no longer appears to know them. 

Dr Pauline Boss, a family therapist and emeritus professor at the University of Minnesota, developed the theory of ambiguous loss decades ago.

This, she claimed can involve physical absence—as when a soldier is missing in action—or psychological absence, including nonrecognition because of dementia.

If you need advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email [email protected]