6 midlife symptoms that indicate you are at high risk of dementia in old age

Symptoms of dementia: Loss of confidence, not able to face up to problems or feelings nervous or on edge all the time are some early symptoms of dementia later in life (Image: Pexels)

It is common knowledge that depression and dementia are connected. But a new study identifies six specific midlife symptoms that may act as "early markers of underlying neurodegenerative processes.”

Researchers from University College London analysed data from 5,811 participants, who provided comprehensive information on their health, including mental well-being. They were mostly male and white.

Symptoms of depressionwere assessed using a questionnaire, while the participants were dementia-free and aged between 45 and 69. Their health was tracked over the next 25 years. In the follow-up period, 586 of them developed dementia.

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The study revealed that participants who were identified as depressed had a 27 percent higher risk of developing dementia. This significant rise in risk was driven by six specific symptoms for those under 60.

Symptoms of dementia risk

Midlife indicators of increased dementia risk:

Loss of confidence

Not able to face up to problems

Not feeling warmth and affection for others

Feelings nervous or on edge all the time

Dissatisfaction with the how tasks are carried out

Difficulty concentrating

Those who felt a lack of self-confidence in midlife carried almost 51 percent higher risk of dementia later in life, while people who experienced  trouble dealing with problems had a 49 percent increased risk.

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People who lacked warmth and affection towards others were associated with a 44 percent  increased risk, and those who felt nervous or strung up had a 34 percent higher risk of dementia.

Those who were not satisfied with how tasks were carried out had a 33 percent increased risk later in life, while those who had difficulties concentrating carried a 29 percent raised risk.

The lead author, Philipp Frank, said, “Our findings show that dementia risk is linked to a handful of depressive symptoms rather than depression as a whole. This symptom-level approach gives us a much clearer picture of who may be more vulnerable decades before dementia develops.”

Frank added, “Everyday symptoms that many people experience in midlife appear to carry important information about long-term brain health. Paying attention to these patterns could open new opportunities for early prevention.”

The study, published in the Lancet Psychiatry, explores the complex relationship between depression and dementia. Co-author Gill Livingston, chair of the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, said, “This is a new and important way of considering depression and dementia, and it is more evidence that depression is a wide umbrella and not necessarily one illness.”

The authors emphasised that the focus should be on treating these six symptoms that are part of midlife depression, as they could reduce dementia risk later in life. However, this has only limited evidence and needs further research.

The team noted the  limitations of their study, specifically if these six symptoms also applied to women and ethnic minorities.

FAQs on Early Symptoms of Dementia

1. What are early symptoms of dementia related to depression?

Loss of confidence, inability to face problems, lack of warmth and affection for others, constant nervousness, dissatisfaction with task execution, and difficulty concentrating are early symptoms related to dementia risk.

2. How does feeling nervous all the time impact dementia risk?

Feeling nervous or on edge constantly can increase dementia risk by 34 percent.

3. Can dissatisfaction with tasks predict dementia risk?

Yes, dissatisfaction with how tasks are carried out is associated with a 33 percent higher risk of developing dementia later in life.

4. How significant is the difficulty in concentrating as an early marker?

Difficulty concentrating in midlife carries a 29 percent increased risk of developing dementia.

5. Are lack of self-confidence and trouble dealing with problems early markers of dementia?

Yes, lack of self-confidence increases dementia risk by 51 percent, while trouble dealing with problems raises the risk by 49 percent.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.