Vital early signs of dementia can be spotted while supermarket shopping.
A recent study has revealed a surprising early warning sign of dementia that might appear during routine shopping trips. Researchers have found that individuals showing signs of apathy—defined as a lack of interest, motivation, or emotional response—could be displaying one of the earliest indicators of dementia. The symptom often goes unnoticed because it doesn’t involve the commonly recognized issue of memory loss.
The study, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, analyzed data from over 4,000 individuals. Researchers noted that about 45% of participants exhibited apathy, while 20% continued to show persistent apathy over time. Unlike depression, apathy stands out as an independent symptom and is often overlooked by both families and healthcare professionals.
Experts emphasize that apathy can subtly emerge during everyday activities, such as shopping, where individuals may seem uninterested in making choices or disengaged from their surroundings. While occasional disinterest is normal, persistent apathy—especially when paired with other cognitive changes—should not be ignored.
Dr. Miguel de Silva Vasconcelos, one of the lead researchers, highlighted that apathy significantly impacts the quality of life for both individuals with dementia and their families. He stressed that this symptom should be given as much attention as memory loss, as early detection can improve care planning and treatment outcomes.
Healthcare professionals advise families to pay attention to subtle behavioral changes during daily routines. Recognizing early signs like apathy during shopping trips could play a crucial role in timely diagnosis and intervention.
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