6. Mood Changes – An Unforeseen Side of Small Vessel Disease
Another sign of SVD that’s often brushed off is a change in mood or behavior. While it might be easy to attribute these changes to factors like stress or lifestyle changes, when coupled with other symptoms discussed here, it could indicate SVD. It’s important to note that these symptoms are not just important but just as impactful as the more physically apparent ones.
Sudden and unexplained mood swings, increased irritability, bouts of depression, or elevated levels of anxiety might all be subtle signs of SVD. These manifestations owe their origin to the brain, which not only governs our physical functions but is also the powerhouse controlling our emotions and mood. When the blood flow to different brain regions is disrupted due to SVD, it affects the areas managing emotions, leading to noticeable changes in mood or behavior.
In many cases, these alterations in mood or behavior might be among the earliest signs of SVD, even before cognitive or physical symptoms become evident. This makes it essential to monitor and evaluate any unexplained changes in mood or behavior, especially when it’s coupled with other symptoms characteristic of SVD. (6)
