Health experts are highlighting a crucial early warning sign for dementia that is frequently mistaken for a common winter condition, potentially delaying vital diagnosis and support.
The Overlooked Symptom: Low Mood and Anxiety
According to the charity Dementia UK, one of the subtle initial indicators of dementia can be a persistent low mood, anxiety, or depression. In the early stages, people often begin to experience symptoms that impact their daily life, with emotional changes being a prominent feature.
This presentation creates a significant diagnostic challenge, as these same symptoms are hallmarks of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the winter months and improves in spring and summer.
Distinguishing Between SAD and Dementia Symptoms
The NHS lists common symptoms of SAD, which include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in usual activities, irritability, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, fatigue, increased sleep, and changes in appetite.
Dementia UK outlines other potential early signs of dementia that should be considered alongside mood changes. These include:
- Problems with memory and concentration.
- Difficulties with language, such as struggling to find the right words.
- Challenges with planning, problem-solving, and making decisions.
- Getting lost in familiar places due to orientation issues.
- Noticeable changes in behaviour or personality, like becoming more withdrawn or less patient.
The charity notes that memory problems may not be the first obvious sign in some dementia types, such as frontotemporal dementia, where behavioural shifts appear earlier. This is also true for people with young onset dementia (where symptoms develop before age 65), who are less likely to experience memory loss initially.
Specific Dementia Types and Emotional Changes
Dementia UK further explains that pronounced emotional shifts can signal particular forms of the condition. Vascular dementia may cause "changes in mood, behaviour and personality," while Lewy body dementia can lead to "mood changes, such as anxiety and depression."
However, the charity strongly cautions that many dementia-like symptoms can also indicate other physical or mental health issues. These include thyroid problems, menopause, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, anxiety, or stress.
"This means that having symptoms of dementia does not mean you definitely have the condition," they state. "If you or someone you know are experiencing signs and symptoms of dementia, it is important to see a GP to establish what may be causing them."
With almost one million people in the UK living with dementia, awareness of these nuanced early signs is critical for seeking timely medical advice and accessing appropriate support.
