"I keep forgetting things, am I developing dementia?"
It is a question we often hear.
But the truth is that memory problems are often not the first signs of dementia. Research shows that the brain can begin to change many years before the classic memory symptoms appear.
A new review in The Washington Post, based on current research and interviews with neurologists, highlights six early signals that can emerge long before a diagnosis is made.
This does not mean that someone who recognises one of these symptoms is developing dementia. Quite the opposite. Most of these complaints have far more common, and often treatable, explanations.
But knowledge matters. Recognising patterns early makes it possible to investigate, treat other causes and, if it should be needed, detect disease at a considerably earlier stage.
Here are the six early signals the researchers highlight
- Depression or anxiety. New-onset depression or increasing anxiety in adulthood can sometimes be one of the first signs of changes in the brain.
- Changes in sleep. Research suggests that sleep helps clear away waste products, including amyloid beta, a protein strongly linked to Alzheimer's disease. In one study, every extra hour of nightly sleep was associated with lower levels of amyloid beta. If good sleep helps protect the brain, persistent sleep problems may be an indication that something needs to be investigated.
- A declining sense of smell. A gradually deteriorating sense of smell without a clear explanation can be an early marker.
- Changes in gait or balance. Slower walking, poorer balance or increased stiffness can precede cognitive symptoms.
- Changes in the body's automatic functions. For example, long-standing constipation or dizziness when standing up.
- Personality or behavioural changes. Reduced initiative, social withdrawal or altered judgement can sometimes be among the first signals.
The most important message, however, is this:
Recognising one or more of these symptoms does not mean that you have, or will develop, dementia. They are common in conditions such as stress, depression, sleep deprivation, hormonal changes and several other treatable states.
That said, it is wise to seek medical care if the symptoms are new, become more numerous or gradually worsen.
The positive development is that today we can detect risks far earlier than before, with advanced brain imaging, blood markers and structured cognitive tests. Perhaps the most important conclusion is that dementia is no longer seen as a disease we can only wait for. According to current research, up to 45% of all dementia cases could be prevented, or at least delayed, through lifestyle changes and treatment of modifiable risk factors.
Just as with cardiovascular disease, modern brain health is increasingly about early detection and prevention, not just about making a diagnosis once the symptoms have already become obvious.
Source: The Washington Post, https://wapo.st/4yIahFF
