{"id":19058,"date":"2025-09-13T13:00:54","date_gmt":"2025-09-13T17:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/?p=19058"},"modified":"2025-09-13T13:00:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T17:00:54","slug":"the-silent-symptom-most-people-dont-know-could-signal-dementia-say-neurologists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/okdiario.com\/metabolic\/en\/health\/the-silent-symptom-most-people-dont-know-could-signal-dementia-say-neurologists-19058\/","title":{"rendered":"The silent symptom most people don\u2019t know could signal dementia, say neurologists"},"content":{"rendered":"

Early dementia<\/a> signs<\/strong> can be confusing, and many people dismiss them as just part of aging. Neurologists say that while memory issues are widely recognized, other symptoms<\/strong> may appear first. These early signs often fly under the radar, making diagnosis more difficult. Recognizing them sooner could help patients and families seek medical advice earlier.<\/p>\n

Doctors explain that not all dementia symptoms are dramatic or tied to forgetting important details. Some begin quietly<\/strong>, showing up as changes in energy or motivation. Because they don\u2019t always look alarming, these signals are often overlooked. Yet, paying attention to them can make a difference in understanding what\u2019s really happening.<\/p>\n

What symptom do neurologists warn about?<\/h2>\n

Neurologists highlight apathy<\/strong> as one of the most overlooked early signs of dementia<\/a><\/strong>. Dr. Adel Aziz, MD, a neurologist at JFK University Medical Center, explains that apathy refers to a loss of goal-directed thought and behavior. Unlike memory lapses, this symptom<\/a><\/strong> may appear as a gradual decline in initiative, where someone no longer makes plans or seeks out activities they once enjoyed.<\/p>\n

Dr. Aziz points out that apathy can be mistaken for simple fatigue, shyness, or even a preference for quiet time<\/strong>. Loved ones may feel hurt, assuming the person no longer cares, when in reality this change stems from a neurological shift. Dr. Katherine D. Amodeo, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at New York Medical College, notes that it can sometimes resemble depression<\/strong>, though it has a different root cause.<\/p>\n

Apathy is especially connected to certain types of dementia, including frontotemporal dementia<\/strong>. This condition often affects people earlier in life, between ages 45 and 65, and personality changes are a common first clue. A 2020 study published in Alzheimer\u2019s & Dementia<\/a><\/strong> found that apathy could predict frontotemporal dementia years before other cognitive problems began. Researchers also discovered that apathy tends to accelerate overall decline<\/strong>, as it limits engagement in activities that support brain health.<\/p>\n

Dr. Daniel Lesley, MD, a board-certified neurologist at Remo Health, adds that apathy may arise not only from chemical and structural brain changes but also from situational factors. As daily tasks become more difficult<\/strong>, individuals may feel discouraged, deciding that things are “not worth the effort.” Some also struggle with feelings of uselessness or being a burden, which reinforces withdrawal.<\/p>\n

How to recognize and address apathy in dementia<\/h2>\n

Experts emphasize that apathy is not a diagnosis itself but rather a description of diminished drive or interest. Dr. Lesley lists common signs such as loss of enthusiasm for hobbies, reduced motivation for essential tasks<\/strong> like paying bills or eating, and neglect of self-care routines<\/strong>. While these changes may seem subtle, their persistence can indicate something more than natural aging.<\/p>\n

Importantly, apathy does not always mean dementia<\/strong>. Dr. Amodeo clarifies that it can also appear in conditions like depression, which is why medical evaluation is critical. What sets dementia-related apathy apart is its gradual and progressive course, often accompanied by other cognitive changes such as memory issues, confusion, sleep disturbances, or shifts in personality.<\/p>\n

Facing a potential dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming<\/strong>, both for the individual and their loved ones. Experts recommend starting with a primary care doctor, who can order cognitive testing and guide next steps. Mental health support may also be necessary, especially since apathy itself can worsen emotional well-being.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Early dementia signs can be confusing, and many people dismiss them as just part of aging. Neurologists say that while … <\/p>\n

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