How a change in mood could point to dementia
SHIFTS in mood or motivation could be among the first signs of dementia.
A change in behaviour could precede memory and thinking problems, which are the hallmarks of the incurable brain condition.
Now for the first time scientists have identified a new clinical stage in the devastating disease.
Mild behavioural impairment is characterised by apathy, anxiety and changes in motivation, mood, control and perception.
They believe the changes are so common a checklist based on telltale behavioural shifts could help identify the early stages of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Researchers think these come before mild cognitive impairment which often leads to dementia.
Maria C Carrillo, of the US Alzheimer’s Association, said: “Early symptoms such as anxiety, confusion and disorientation are often more common, troubling and obvious to family members.
“By looking beyond memoryrelated issues to closely evaluate the behavioural issues included in the checklist, physicians could reach a more efficient and accurate diagnosis, sooner.”
Researchers from the University of Calgary in Canada say mild behavioural impairment involves symptoms for at least six months.
They include depression, anxiety, resistance to care, physical aggression, repetitious questioning, sleep disturbance and withdrawal.
The research was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association conference in Toronto, Canada.
Dr David Reynolds, of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Changes in a person’s mood and behaviour often go hand-in-hand with betterknown symptoms.
“Family members often tell us that slight out-of-character behaviour was one of the first warning signs something was not right.”