Experts have said the symptom could indicate that someone was experiencing the advanced stages of dementia
A “constant” movement of the hands could be a clear warning sign of a devastating condition.
Experts have said the symptom could indicate that someone was experiencing the advanced stages of dementia.
Roughly 900,000 people across the UK were affected by dementia, and the early indicators were often confused with normal ageing processes.
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Common signs of dementia include memory difficulties and confusion, however there were lesser-known symptoms that could easily be missed or misunderstood.
The Alzheimer’s Society has said changes in behaviour could suggest dementia was in its later phases.
The charity explained: “People in the later stages of dementia may behave out of character.
“These behaviours can be difficult to understand and often have different causes.”
According to the Mirror, this may manifest in the hands, with “constant” wringing potentially suggesting agitation.
“Many people with dementia become restless and may fidget or pace up and down,” the charity said.
“They may constantly wring their hands, pull at their clothes or touch themselves inappropriately in public.
“This could be because of pain or discomfort, needing the toilet, a need for more physical activity or problems with their environment.
“It may also be because the person used to move around a lot as part of their job.”
The Alzheimer’s Society said encouraging exercise or activities related to interests and hobbies, both new and from their past, may help manage these behaviours.
It added: “A rummage box, containing objects related to the person’s past such as pictures, jewellery or souvenirs, may help as it gives the person an opportunity to move their hands.”
Other symptoms of dementia 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
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