Summary: New work challenges the long-standing belief that memory loss is the primary hallmark of dementia. Researchers argue that attention impairment often appears much earlier than memory dysfunction and is a common thread across various forms of the syndrome.
By shifting the focus from “forgetting” to “failing to attend,” the research suggests that current diagnostic pathways—which rely heavily on memory tests—are missing critical early symptoms. The study integrates cognitive science with lived experience, including a carer’s perspective on “attentional overload” and how natural environments can help restore focus.
Key Facts
- The “Attention First” Theory: Changes in the brain’s ability to filter information and sustain focus can predate measurable memory loss, serving as a more sensitive early marker for the disease.
- Diagnostic Blind Spots: Traditional clinical assessments are optimized to detect memory gaps; the authors argue for a “system change” in how the NHS and global health providers screen for cognitive decline.
- Attention Restoration Theory: The book explores how natural environments can reduce the cognitive “noise” that overwhelms dementia patients, offering a non-pharmacological way to improve quality of life.
- Collaborative Series: This is the second volume in a planned series from the Swansea team. The first focused on sensory and perceptual changes, and a third—on technology and dementia—is currently in development.
Source: Swansea University
A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Attention Impairment, authored by Professor Andrea Tales from the School of Health and Social Care alongside colleagues and former students, is one of the first books to place attention impairments — rather than memory dysfunction — at the centre of understanding the syndrome.
Drawing on a growing body of research, the authors highlight that changes in attention are common across different forms of dementia and can appear even earlier than memory problems. They argue that recognising these changes could support earlier identification, more accurate diagnosis, and improved care for those affected.
Professor Tales, Personal Chair in Neuropsychology and Dementia Research, said: “Working with current and former students has been a privilege and always an enjoyable experience.
“This book builds on our first volume, which explored sensory and perceptual changes and was co-produced with people living with dementia and their caregivers. I’m proud that our collaborative approach continues to grow, helping us shine a light on aspects of dementia that are too often overlooked.”
The book spans foundational theory, clinical practice, and lived experience. It examines how attention and executive function interact, how automatic and controlled processes shift in dementia, and why current diagnostic pathways — which rely heavily on memory testing — often miss early attentional symptoms.
The authors also explore the challenge of defining “attention” itself, drawing on classic ideas, everyday language, and modern cognitive science.
A chapter written from a carer’s perspective brings these concepts into everyday life, while another introduces attention restoration theory and the potential for natural environments to reduce attentional overload.
As well as its scientific contribution, the book is a distinctive example of academic collaboration. Conceived by Professor Tales, it brings together colleagues and former PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who continue to work closely after completing their studies at Swansea.
The group has committed to producing a series of books designed to advance the field while also giving early-career researchers valuable experience in publishing beyond journal articles and communicating research to wider audiences. A third volume, focusing on technology and dementia, is already in development.
Co-author Dr Clive Thomas, Programme Manager for the Strategic Programme for Mental Health at NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, said: “Working with Professor Andrea Tales from my professional doctorate onwards has been invaluable. Her understanding of the tensions between clinical practice and academic enquiry helped me see why conventional, memory‑focused assessment services need to evolve.
“Our collaboration has continued over many years, driven by a shared belief in the need for system change and in exploring under‑examined aspects of dementia. I’m grateful to contribute to this book series and to ongoing work with Andrea and the Swansea University team.”
Key Questions Answered:
A: Not necessarily. Everyone has “off” days with focus. However, the authors argue that for those developing dementia, the type of distraction changes—the brain loses its “automatic” ability to filter out background noise, making simple tasks like following a conversation in a loud room exhausting.
A: Memory loss is very “visible” and easy to test (e.g., “What day is it?”). Attention is more subtle and “invisible.” It affects how you process information before you even have a chance to remember it. The book argues we’ve been looking at the “output” (memory) while ignoring the “input” (attention).
A: The book discusses Attention Restoration Theory, which suggests that “urban” environments (loud TVs, bright lights, complex city streets) drain our finite mental energy. Natural environments provide “soft fascination” that allows the brain’s attention systems to rest and recover, reducing agitation and confusion.
Editorial Notes:
- This article was edited by a Neuroscience News editor.
- Journal paper reviewed in full.
- Additional context added by our staff.
About this dementia research news
Author: Ffion White
Source: Swansea University
Contact: Ffion White – Swansea University
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
