Symptom 10. Mood Changes: The Emotional Effects of Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis also leaves its mark on the emotional landscape of an individual. It’s like an unpredictable weather pattern moving in, bringing in storms of mood swings, showers of irritability, and foggy patches of confusion.
At the core of this emotional turmoil, are the amyloid proteins. These trespassers don’t just stick to physical organs but intrude into the intricate networks of your brain. It’s as if a hacker has found a way into your system, causing a disruption in the normal functioning, and the result is an emotional roller coaster.
This emotional upheaval could be subtle at first, maybe a slight shift in your mood. Perhaps you find yourself more irritable, reacting more strongly to things that would typically slide. Or you might find your mood swinging like a pendulum, a state of emotional flux that feels like an uncontrollable tide.
As the disease progresses, these mood changes could take on a more ominous tone. You might find yourself wrestling with bouts of depression, grappling with a constant sense of doom and gloom. Or you might experience confusion, a mental fog that descends, making it hard to focus or make decisions. It’s as if Amyloidosis has plunged your emotional self into a turbulent sea, leaving you struggling to keep your head above water.
These mood changes aren’t just about emotional turmoil. They’re an indication, a symptom of the neural impact of Amyloidosis. They serve as a window, providing a glimpse into the internal battles your body is fighting against this persistent invader. (10)
