Dementia is commonly associated with memory loss, but there are other, often overlooked signs that could signal the onset of the condition . One key indicator can be observed in how you feel when you wake up in the morning. Understanding these subtle symptoms is crucial, especially as dementia cases are on the rise.
In the UK alone, the number of people living with dementia is expected to increase from around one million in 2024 to 1.4 million by 2040. This increase is driven by factors like longer life expectancies and greater awareness of the condition.
While no cure currently exists for dementia, early detection can significantly enhance the quality of life and allow individuals to plan for the future. A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry explored the link between dementia and morning agitation. Researchers examined data from three nursing homes, analyzing the behaviour of 110 patients aged 60 and older, all of whom had been pre-diagnosed with dementia or agitation.
These patients were divided into three groups based on their peak periods of agitation: morning, evening, or none. The findings revealed that agitation was slightly more common in the morning among dementia patients, suggesting a possible connection between morning irritability and the condition. Morning agitation could be one of the early signs that dementia is affecting a person’s daily rhythm.
In addition, the Mayo Clinic notes that disruptions in the body’s sleep-wake c.