SADLY, dementia is incurable at this stage, but getting an early diagnosis and starting a treatment plan quickly can help slow the progress of the debilitating disease.

We've compiled 12 of the early warning signs that can signal dementia.

While many on their own are fairly common, if you feel that several of the following apply to you, it would be worth visiting your GP for further advice and possibly a referral to a specialist.

1/ Short-term memory problems, such as misplacing things. We all forget where we placed the keys from time to time, but if it starts happening more and more regularly it could be a sign of dementia.

2/ Difficulty choosing words while speaking.

3/ Difficulty choosing words while writing.

4/ Difficulty concentrating.

5/ Rapid mood swings for no apparent reason.

6/ Lethargy and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities.

7/ Difficulty completing every day chores that have previously been almost second nature.

8/ Difficulty understanding/reading the time.

9/ Difficulty remembering where you are.

10/ Repeating yourself.

11/ A sudden fear of change. Resisting any changes to your routine, even very small ones, for fear of forgetting what to do or becoming disoriented.

12/ Difficulty following storylines in a movie or book.