Sign 10: Changes in Mood or Personality – The Emotional Indicators of Dementia
Changes in mood or personality can also be early signs of dementia. This isn’t about occasional mood swings or stress-related behavior changes; it’s about consistent and noticeable changes in mood or personality that differ from the person’s usual behavior.
An individual might exhibit increased confusion, suspicion, or fear. This isn’t about the occasional bout of confusion or suspicion; it’s about a consistent pattern of these feelings, leading to significant distress or even paranoia.
Depression is another common symptom in people with dementia. This isn’t about the occasional low mood; it’s about a persistent feeling of sadness or a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed, indicative of a deeper emotional struggle.
People with dementia may also exhibit frequent mood swings. This isn’t about occasional irritability or stress; it’s about quick, unprovoked changes in mood, which can range from extreme emotional highs to severe depressive lows.
Such changes in mood or personality aren’t just about dealing with stress or aging. When these changes are consistent and significantly affect the individual’s behavior, it could be an early sign of dementia. Recognizing these changes can be crucial to identifying the early stages of dementia and treating it appropriately. (10)
