A new study by University College London has identified seven midlife personality changes that may signal increased dementia risk years before diagnosis. The research, based on a major study of Whitehall civil servants, found that shifts in behavior and personality often precede typical dementia symptoms.

Prof Gill Livingston, who specializes in psychiatry of older people, recalls patients whose personality changes were early warning signs. One woman who suddenly became less interested in her husband and more adventurous was later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Other researchers note that family members frequently report behavioral changes before cognitive symptoms appear.

Seven key personality changes linked to dementia risk include loss of confidence, decreased openness, inability to face problems, increased impulsivity, and reduced conscientiousness. These shifts may reflect brain atrophy or amyloid plaque accumulation affecting cognitive reserve. The study suggests that recognizing these patterns could enable earlier intervention and potentially slow cognitive decline through lifestyle modifications and targeted therapies.