Research has been undertaken to investigate the signs and symptoms that appear before the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (Image: Getty Images)

'First' dementia symptom seen before diagnosis may not be memory loss

by · Daily Record

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Dementia is an broad term that refers to several conditions that cause progressive deterioration of the brain and memory loss, with Alzheimer's disease being the most widely recognised.

Alzheimer's is typically defined by memory loss and other cognitive impairments that significantly impact daily life, and while there is currently no cure for this condition, recognising it early can help slow its progression and enhance the quality of life.

While most people link memory loss to Alzheimer's, research indicates that it may not be the initial indicator. A systematic review published in British Medical Journal in 2017 suggests that depression could serve as an early warning sign.

researchers conducted a broad sweep of the literature - spanning from 1937 to 2016 - in a bid to document the signs and symptoms preceding the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, reports Surrey Live.

They discovered that depression and cognitive impairment were the initial symptoms observed in 98.5 percent and 99.1 percent of individuals with late-onset Alzheimer's. In early-onset Alzheimer's, these symptoms were found in 9 percent and 80 percent of participants.

Memory loss appeared early and occurred 12 years prior to the clinical diagnosis of late-stage Alzheimer’s. The researchers concluded that "the findings of this review suggest that neurological and depressive behaviours are an early occurrence".

"However, the study was limited by the fact that each one of the findings was based on a single study," researchers said.

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Recognising depression can be quite difficult on its own, let alone when it presents as a symptom of Alzheimer's or another type of dementia.

The Alzheimer's Association (AA) lists several symptoms that are commonly associated with both depression and dementia, including:

  • Apathy
  • Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
  • Social withdrawal
  • Isolation
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Impaired thinking.

"In addition, the cognitive impairment experienced by people with Alzheimer's often makes it difficult for them to articulate their sadness, hopelessness, guilt and other feelings associated with depression," the health body notes.

They also emphasised that depression in individuals with Alzheimer's may not resemble typical depression, as it might be less severe and can fluctuate rather than being a lasting feeling.

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Experts pointed out that individuals with Alzheimer's may be less inclined to discuss or contemplate suicide compared to those who are experiencing only depression.

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