As a general practitioner, I see a growing number of patients who are concerned about Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that touches the lives of many families. When people think of Alzheimer’s, they typically associate it with memory loss. While forgetfulness is indeed a hallmark of this condition, it is far from the only symptom. There are many other warning signs that can appear long before memory problems become apparent. Recognizing these early signals can help ensure timely diagnosis and treatment, making a significant difference in managing the disease.
Let’s explore some of the lesser-known signs of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, so that you can be more aware of what to look for in yourself or a loved one.
Financial Troubles and Poor Decision-Making
A decline in financial management is often one of the earliest signs of dementia. Handling money involves complex decision-making, and even small changes in brain function can interfere with this ability. For example, someone might forget to pay bills, make unusual purchases, or even become vulnerable to scams. This is especially concerning for individuals with frontotemporal dementia, where judgment is impaired early on. They might make large, impulsive purchases or trust people they normally wouldn’t, putting themselves at financial risk.
If you notice unexplained financial problems, whether it’s unpaid bills or strange transactions, this could be an early red flag that something deeper is happening.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Everyone’s sleep changes as they age, but certain disruptions can be linked to dementia. If someone starts waking up at very early hours, such as 3 a.m., or is unable to stay awake during the day, it might be cause for concern. Alzheimer’s affects brain regions responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, so changes in sleep patterns can occur long before memory loss.
In addition, there is a specific sleep disorder known as REM sleep behavior disorder that is associated with certain types of dementia, such as dementia with Lewy bodies. In this condition, individuals may act out their dreams by yelling, kicking, or even hitting during sleep. These behaviors are far from normal sleepwalking and could be an indicator of an underlying neurodegenerative disorder.
Personality and Behavioral Changes
Personality changes are another subtle yet significant early sign of dementia. Before memory issues arise, a person might become less extroverted, more withdrawn, or display less empathy. In other cases, they may become more irritable or uncooperative. For example, someone who was once very social may start avoiding friends or stop participating in activities they used to enjoy. These changes can be gradual and may not always be immediately associated with dementia, but they are crucial to monitor.
In some forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia, the changes in behavior can be more pronounced, with individuals becoming less agreeable or more impulsive.
Difficulties with Driving
Driving is a complex cognitive task, and changes in driving ability can often be one of the first noticeable signs of cognitive impairment. This might include running red lights, braking suddenly, or struggling to judge distances properly. People with early dementia may also begin avoiding certain driving conditions, like nighttime driving or busy roads, as their confidence declines.
While it’s true that many older adults face driving difficulties due to physical issues like poor vision, dementia can affect reaction times and decision-making, putting both the driver and others on the road at risk.
Loss of Smell
Although it may seem unrelated, a loss of smell can be one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. This occurs because the olfactory system, which controls our sense of smell, is often one of the first areas of the brain affected by neurodegenerative diseases. People may start to lose their ability to identify smells correctly, confusing a sweet scent with something like gasoline, or in some cases, they may lose their sense of smell altogether.
This symptom can appear years or even decades before more obvious signs of dementia, such as memory loss, making it an important clue.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It’s important to remember that these signs on their own don’t necessarily mean someone has dementia. Many factors, such as stress, medications, or other health issues, can cause similar symptoms. However, if you or a loved one are experiencing a combination of these signs, it might be time to consult a doctor for a full evaluation.
Early diagnosis allows for better planning, treatment options, and support for both patients and their families. So, while memory loss may be the most well-known symptom of Alzheimer’s, it is crucial to stay alert to these other warning signs that may indicate something is amiss. Awareness is the first step toward managing this challenging condition.
Early diagnosis allows for better planning, treatment options, and support for both patients and their families.
This article was written by Dr. P. A. Anthony, Clinica Santa Cecilia Medical Director and General Practitioner. Call us today at +34 95 252 1024 to set up your appointment with Dr. Anthony.