5 Shocking Signs You Might Be Ignoring Early Dementia - And It's Not What You Think!
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As we age, it's natural to become a bit forgetful. Misplacing keys or mixing up names can be a common part of life for many of us in the over-60s club. But while memory loss is often associated with dementia, it's not the only early warning sign to watch out for. In fact, some of the first indicators of dementia might surprise you, as they can be quite subtle and not directly related to memory at all.
Understanding these early signs is crucial because dementia is a growing concern, with a significant portion of the population at risk of developing it during their lifetime. Recognising these unexpected red flags can lead to earlier intervention, which can make a significant difference in managing the condition. Let's explore five early signs of dementia that you might be overlooking.
A Decline in Social Engagement
It's well-known that dementia can affect memory and learning, but its impact on social interactions is often underestimated. Dr Barbara Sahakian, a neuroscientist at Cambridge University, highlights that becoming less sociable can be an early sign of dementia. If you notice that you or a loved one is withdrawing from social activities or not engaging in conversations as before, it could be a signal of early brain changes. This is due to alterations in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and motivation. Moreover, social isolation itself can increase the risk of dementia, so maintaining an active social life is beneficial for brain health.
Experiencing Frequent Nightmares
A study from the University of Birmingham in 2022 revealed that persistent nightmares could precede the cognitive decline associated with dementia by years or even decades. Middle-aged individuals who reported bad dreams weekly were found to be at a higher risk of cognitive decline, with older men experiencing nightmares weekly being five times more likely to develop dementia. The good news is that nightmares are treatable, and addressing them could potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Losing Your Sense of Smell
An unexpected early test for dementia could be your sense of smell. Research has shown that difficulty detecting odours in middle-aged individuals can be an indicator of future dementia. A declining sense of smell is associated with reduced grey matter volume in brain areas linked to memory. While a loss of smell alone shouldn't cause alarm, it could be part of a larger pattern indicating a higher risk of dementia.
Subtle Changes in Driving Habits
A study from the University of Washington found that slight alterations in driving behaviour could indicate the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Older adults with pre-clinical Alzheimer's were observed to drive more slowly, avoid night driving, log fewer miles, and visit fewer destinations. These changes in driving patterns could serve as digital biomarkers for identifying early Alzheimer's among older adults.
Changes in Vision
Lastly, a study by Loughborough University discovered that changes in visual sensitivity could predict dementia up to 12 years before diagnosis. Participants who developed dementia were slower to detect visual patterns in tests. This suggests that the toxic amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's may first affect vision-related brain areas before memory-related ones.
If you're experiencing any of these signs or have concerns about your cognitive health, it's important to consult your GP. Building a relationship with a consistent doctor over time can also have protective properties against dementia. Remember, early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in the quality of life for those with dementia.
So, dear readers, have you noticed any of these signs in yourself or a loved one? It's not always easy to spot the early symptoms of dementia, especially when they're not directly related to memory loss. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below, and let's continue to support each other in staying informed and proactive about our brain health.
Understanding these early signs is crucial because dementia is a growing concern, with a significant portion of the population at risk of developing it during their lifetime. Recognising these unexpected red flags can lead to earlier intervention, which can make a significant difference in managing the condition. Let's explore five early signs of dementia that you might be overlooking.
A Decline in Social Engagement
It's well-known that dementia can affect memory and learning, but its impact on social interactions is often underestimated. Dr Barbara Sahakian, a neuroscientist at Cambridge University, highlights that becoming less sociable can be an early sign of dementia. If you notice that you or a loved one is withdrawing from social activities or not engaging in conversations as before, it could be a signal of early brain changes. This is due to alterations in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and motivation. Moreover, social isolation itself can increase the risk of dementia, so maintaining an active social life is beneficial for brain health.
Changes in disposition could be a sign of dementia, and could lead to isolation. Image Credit: Pexels/cottonbro studio
Experiencing Frequent Nightmares
A study from the University of Birmingham in 2022 revealed that persistent nightmares could precede the cognitive decline associated with dementia by years or even decades. Middle-aged individuals who reported bad dreams weekly were found to be at a higher risk of cognitive decline, with older men experiencing nightmares weekly being five times more likely to develop dementia. The good news is that nightmares are treatable, and addressing them could potentially reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Losing Your Sense of Smell
An unexpected early test for dementia could be your sense of smell. Research has shown that difficulty detecting odours in middle-aged individuals can be an indicator of future dementia. A declining sense of smell is associated with reduced grey matter volume in brain areas linked to memory. While a loss of smell alone shouldn't cause alarm, it could be part of a larger pattern indicating a higher risk of dementia.
Subtle Changes in Driving Habits
A study from the University of Washington found that slight alterations in driving behaviour could indicate the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Older adults with pre-clinical Alzheimer's were observed to drive more slowly, avoid night driving, log fewer miles, and visit fewer destinations. These changes in driving patterns could serve as digital biomarkers for identifying early Alzheimer's among older adults.
Changes in Vision
Lastly, a study by Loughborough University discovered that changes in visual sensitivity could predict dementia up to 12 years before diagnosis. Participants who developed dementia were slower to detect visual patterns in tests. This suggests that the toxic amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's may first affect vision-related brain areas before memory-related ones.
If you're experiencing any of these signs or have concerns about your cognitive health, it's important to consult your GP. Building a relationship with a consistent doctor over time can also have protective properties against dementia. Remember, early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in the quality of life for those with dementia.
