10. Mood and Mental Changes: The Overlooked Manifestations of PDAC
The physical symptoms of PDAC often overshadow some of its subtler, less apparent manifestations. Mood and mental changes might not be the first symptoms to come to mind, but they’re crucial to understand and recognize.
The body and mind are intrinsically linked. The physical stress and systemic effects of cancer can translate into mood changes. People with PDAC might experience bouts of depression, anxiety, or irritability, even before other more ‘classic’ symptoms manifest.
Beyond mood changes, some PDAC patients report a decline in cognitive function. This could manifest as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or challenges with multitasking. Such symptoms might be due to the metabolic changes and nutritional deficiencies caused by pancreatic tumors affecting brain function. (10)
