Is there a connection between dyslexia and Dementia?

We hear a lot about dyslexia in children. And we’re just about beginning to talk enough about dyslexia in adults. One thing we don’t tend to talk about, however, is dyslexia and getting older— and especially about how it interacts with cognitive decline.

…And that’s a problem. Visibility is key if older people with neurodiversities are to get the support they need. So this time on Dyslexia Digest, for World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re doing a quick primer on dyslexia, dementia, and where to get support. ⬇️

Specific learning disabilities and dementia risk

Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function. The most common cause of it is Alzheimer’s Disease, accounting for 60-80% of cases, but it’s often underdiagnosed in people who learn and think differently.

Which is unfortunate when we know that there’s a higher incidence of dementia in folks who have learning disabilities: 1 in 5 older people with a learning disability develop dementia, compared to 1 in 11 of the general populace. In terms of specific learning disabilities like dyslexia, there isn’t as much research out there… but the small amount we do have suggests a significant causal link between dyslexia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

What might Alzheimer’s Disease look like in someone with dyslexia?

It varies from person to person. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the key symptoms to look out for in somebody with learning disabilities are:

·       Changes in daily living skills

·       Changes to memory, reasoning or language

·       Changes in how they approach tasks

We can apply these to someone with a specific learning disability like dyslexia too, but it’s important to remember that many folks with neurodivergent minds may have developed coping mechanisms for daily tasks that don’t indicate changes to cognitive function at all. Remember to ask have you always done it this way?— it’s an important distinction.

Having dyslexia is also linked to higher instances of Primary Progressive Aphasia, but as many early signs mimic symptoms associated with dyslexia in the first place, it can be difficult to diagnose.

Across the board, it’s a good idea to pay attention to dyslexia indicators like:

·       Short-term memory problems

·       Timekeeping and time-telling problems

·       Forgetting common words

·       Difficulty reading or spelling

·       Sequencing issues (i.e. following a recipe)

·       Difficulties with shape, space or map-reading

…But you’re not just trying to spot symptoms here. Somebody with dyslexia might have had all of these, their whole life— you’re looking for if they might be becoming more pronounced, which is one indicator cognitive decline might be in play.

What do I do if I think someone dyslexic in my life might have Alzheimer’s Disease?

Talk with them about what they’re experiencing. Do it accessibly, either by phonecall or in person, not over text, and be as reassuring as you can.

Support their reading (but only their reading, not their answers) through a checklist test. Your next step is to contact primary healthcare providers for a professional opinion.

Navigating care responsibilities with dyslexia

If you’re supporting someone who’s struggling to understand the implications of dementia due to reading needs, there are easy-read fact sheets available at the Alzheimer’s Society.

But dyslexia runs in families. This means that if you’re caring for a dyslexic parent or relative, you might have dyslexia too. That can make navigating their care difficult: there’s often a fair bit of reading involved.

Remember, you can…

·       Add text-to-speech extensions to your browser to help with reading and filling in online forms.

·       Check out the support page at the Alzheimer’s Society, for advice on everything from home support and paperwork to finance and legal—it even comes in audio format if you struggle with longer webpages.

·       Seek advice via the Carers UK helpline, and search for local carer support via the Carers Trust.

·       Use a text-to-speech reading pen to help decode care plans and medicine labels.

·       Contact your local dyslexia association, who’ll be able to advise on what kind of reading and dyslexia support is available in your area.

If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to the support services above. You can also share your experiences in the comments below— let’s improve support and visibility for older people with dyslexia and the dyslexic folks who care for them. 💙