Mood swings and sleep disorders could be early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, says neurologist

Causes of Alzheimer's disease: Often subtle signs, like irritability, depression, disrupted sleep are the body’s way of sounding the alarm (Image: Pexels)

When we think of Alzheimer’s, we tend to think of lost memories, misplaced names, and moments of confusion. But what if the first signs were more emotional than mental?

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. India is facing a sobering reality: over 8.8 million Indians aged 60 and above are living with memory and thinking disorders. By 2050, nearly 20 percent of the Indian population will be elderly — that’s over 319 million people at greater risk. Age remains the strongest risk factor, but awareness is still low.

According to Dr Mahendra JV, HOD & Consultant at the Dept. of Neurology, Ramaiah Institute of Neurosciences, memory loss isn’t always the first clue. Often, it’s a shift in personality, mood or sleep that quietly signals something deeper at play. “We must start recognising the subtle signs — irritability, depression, disrupted sleep — before they spiral into irreversible cognitive decline,” he told Moneycontrol. These early warnings, often brushed off as signs of normal ageing, are in fact the body’s way of sounding the alarm.

Also read | All about of Alzheimer's disease: Stages, risk factors, and management strategies

Non-cognitive symptoms matter

Inside the brain, Alzheimer’s begins long before memory loss. Sticky beta-amyloid plaques form between nerve cells, thus disrupting communication. Symptoms that don’t seem obviously neurological include anxiety, apathy, agitation, or even social withdrawal. “Families often notice these changes but blame them as stress or ageing. But when these behaviours appear without clear cause — and especially when they persist — they deserve attention,” Dr Mahendra explained.

Clinicians are now urging for routine screening of behavioural and emotional changes in the elderly as part of standard assessments, even when memory tests show little concern.

Early detection:

Spotting non-cognitive symptoms early allows for a broader, more proactive approach to diagnosis. While no cure exists, early detection means access to treatment that may slow the rate of decline, allow families to plan ahead, and help patients qualify for clinical trials exploring cutting-edge therapies. “It’s about giving people time to understand, to prepare, and to live with dignity. We’re no longer waiting for forgetfulness to act. We’re listening earlier, and that’s a powerful shift,” the expert said.

Also read | Brain health: Prevent Alzheimer’s and memory loss with these easy neurologist-recommended lifestyle tweaks

What can you do?

• Keep track of any changes in mood or sleep
• Encourage open conversations about feelings and health
• Help older family members get regular health screenings, including brain health checks
• Stay active, eat well, and keep the mind engaged with reading, puzzles, or social time
• Support research by learning about clinical trials or new treatments

1. What are the early signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Early signs of Alzheimer's disease can be more emotional than mental. A shift in personality, mood changes, or disrupted sleep may indicate the onset. Irritability, depression, and altered sleep patterns are subtle signals that should not be ignored as normal ageing. Recognising these early warnings can prevent irreversible cognitive decline and allow for timely intervention.

2. How does Alzheimer's disease affect the brain?

Alzheimer's begins in the brain long before memory loss. It involves the formation of sticky beta-amyloid plaques between nerve cells, disrupting communication. Symptoms that may not appear neurological include anxiety, apathy, agitation, and social withdrawal. These behaviours, especially when persistent, deserve attention as they could signal underlying issues related to Alzheimer's.

3. Why is early detection important in Alzheimer's disease?

Early detection of non-cognitive symptoms enables a proactive approach to diagnosis. Although no cure exists, early identification allows access to treatments that can slow the rate of decline, help families plan ahead, and enable patients to qualify for clinical trials. This shift from waiting for forgetfulness to acting on early signs gives people time to prepare and live with dignity.

4. How can families support someone with Alzheimer's disease?

Families can support individuals with Alzheimer's by tracking changes in mood or sleep patterns and encouraging open conversations about feelings and health. Regular health screenings, including brain health checks, are crucial. Staying active, eating well, and engaging the mind through reading, puzzles, and social interactions can also help. Supporting research by learning about clinical trials or new treatments is beneficial

5. What are the non-cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease?

Non-cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's include anxiety, apathy, agitation, and social withdrawal. Families often mistake these changes for stress or ageing. However, when these behaviours appear without a clear cause and persist, they warrant attention. Clinicians recommend routine screening of behavioural and emotional changes in the elderly to catch early signs of Alzheimer's for timely intervention.

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 a specific health diagnosis.