A renowned dementia expert has pinpointed a specific and often overlooked early warning sign of cognitive decline that can appear during a routine activity: driving.
Dr. Henk-Jan Boon, a consultant at the NHS's National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, explains that this red flag is more subtle than memory loss but is a significant indicator. He states that while many associate dementia with forgetting names or appointments, the first changes can be behavioural.
The Crucial Early Red Flag
According to Dr. Boon, one of the most telling early signs is a noticeable change in driving behaviour. This isn't about getting lost on familiar routes, but something more fundamental: a sudden development of road rage or uncharacteristic aggression behind the wheel.
This shift occurs because the brain disease impacts areas responsible for personality and impulse control before it severely affects memory. An individual who was once a calm, patient driver may suddenly become easily frustrated, prone to anger, and react aggressively to other motorists or minor traffic incidents.
Why This Sign Is So Significant
This symptom is a critical early indicator as it stems from damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. These regions govern our personality, behaviour, and emotional responses. When dementia begins here, it alters who a person is at their core, often long before memory problems become apparent.
Dr. Boon emphasises the importance of recognising this change: "If you see that somebody's behaviour is changing, becoming more agitated, more aggressive, more passive, or making more jokes... that can be an early sign of a dementia."
Other Key Behavioural Changes To Watch For
Beyond driving, experts from Alzheimer's Research UK highlight other behavioural shifts that could signal early dementia:
- Loss of empathy or saying things that are out of character and tactless.
- Developing a newfound lack of inhibition.
- Becoming unusually withdrawn or anxious in social situations.
- Displaying a sudden lack of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed.
Recognising these signs is vital for seeking a timely medical opinion. An early diagnosis can provide access to treatments, support services, and allow individuals and their families to plan for the future.
