Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour, but there are often subtle signs that can appear before a diagnosis is made
Dementia is often linked with memory loss, but there are other little known signs that could signal the onset of the condition such as how you feel when you wake up in the morning.
Recognising these subtle symptoms is vital, particularly as dementia cases are on the rise. In the UK alone, it’s predicted the number of people living with dementia will rise from around one million in 2024 to 1.4 million by 2040. This surge is due to factors like longer life expectancies and increased awareness of the condition. While there’s currently no cure for dementia, early detection can significantly improve quality of life and allow individuals to plan for the future, reports the Express.
What to look for in the morning
A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry investigated the relationship between dementia and morning agitation. The research analysed data from three nursing homes, studying the behaviour of 110 patients aged 60 and over, all of whom had been pre-diagnosed with dementia or agitation. These patients were categorised into three groups based on their peak periods of agitation: morning, evening, or none. The results showed that agitation was slightly more prevalent in the morning among dementia patients, suggesting a potential link between morning irritability and the condition,
Morning agitation could be one of the early signs that dementia is affecting a person’s daily rhythm. The Mayo Clinic has highlighted that disturbances in our sleep-wake cycle could be a sign of dementia. Many dementia sufferers experience excessive sleepiness during the day and struggle to get a good night’s sleep, often waking up early in the morning. Intriguingly, Alzheimer’s Research UK has found that those who rise early may have a slightly higher genetic risk of brain decline. However, it’s crucial to stress that most people are not genetically predisposed to dementia, and there are measures we can take to lower our overall risk.
Reducing the risk of dementia
While we can’t control certain risk factors like genetics, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce our chances of developing dementia. One of the most effective ways to safeguard our brain health is through our diet. Research has shown that following a Mediterranean diet can help maintain brain function and slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This diet emphasises:.
- Vegetables, fruits, and herbs
- Whole grains
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fish and seafood
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes or beans
- Moderate amounts of dairy, poultry, and eggs
A study published in the Neurology journal discovered that those who adhered to a Mediterranean diet had thicker cortical brain regions – an important finding as these areas usually shrink in Alzheimer’s patients. Regular physical activity is another key element in reducing the risk of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society states that staying active can decrease the risk of dementia by up to 20 percent. Finding a physical activity that suits your lifestyle, be it walking, swimming or joining a fitness class, is crucial. Equally important is keeping the mind active. The NHS suggests that brain-challenging activities like reading, learning a new language, playing an instrument or volunteering can help keep the mind sharp and decrease the risk of dementia.
Early detection is key
Identifying early signs of dementia – such as morning agitation or disrupted sleep patterns – can make a significant difference. While there’s no cure for dementia, recognising and addressing these symptoms early can slow its progression and allow for better management of the condition. By making lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and staying mentally active, individuals can significantly reduce their risk and improve their long-term health outcomes.