Doctors Warn: This Is Not Just Fatigue, but a Sign of a Deadly Disease

Health

Changes in cognitive abilities are often attributed to normal aging, so many people fail to recognize early signs of neurodegenerative diseases.

However, doctors warn that neglected symptoms can delay diagnosis and reduce the chances of slowing disease progression.

One of the most commonly overlooked symptoms is not forgetfulness, but something much quieter – yet equally important – reports B92.

Neurologist Dr. Adel Aziz explains that apathy – the loss of motivation and reduced interest in daily activities – is one of the earliest, yet often unrecognized signs of dementia, especially frontotemporal dementia.

"A person who used to organize social gatherings or frequently call friends simply stops showing interest," says Dr. Aziz for Parade. Such behavior is often misinterpreted as fatigue, shyness, or a desire for solitude, which is why it goes unnoticed.

Neurology emphasizes that apathy can result from changes in the parts of the brain responsible for motivation, as well as external factors such as feelings of hopelessness.

Apathy Alone Does Not Necessarily Mean a Person Has Dementia

Neurologist Dr. Daniel Leslie points out: "People may feel useless or like a burden, so everything seems like too much effort."

Besides being an early sign of dementia, apathy is also associated with faster cognitive decline because people avoid activities that maintain mental health – such as socializing, exercising, and quality sleep.

According to neurologist Dr. Catherine Amodeo, apathetic behavior includes losing interest in things that once brought joy, neglecting personal hygiene, or reduced attention to responsibilities.

Still, it is important to know that apathy alone does not necessarily mean someone has dementia – it can also be a sign of depression or other conditions, such as exhaustion or low self-esteem.