A Surprising Dementia Symptom: Eye Movements You Might Not Notice
When thinking about dementia, most people imagine symptoms like memory loss, trouble finding the right words, or struggling with problem-solving.
You might also know dementia can cause issues like losing your sense of smell or even frequent falls. However, Parade reports there’s another sign that’s harder to notice: small, involuntary eye movements called saccades.
Dr. Meredith Bock, a neurologist, explains that dementia affects the brain, which can interfere with motor control, including how the eyes move.
These tiny, rapid movements may seem normal but can actually reveal early changes in the brain. “Eye movements show how well the brain is working,” says Dr. Bock. In people with Alzheimer’s, for instance, the brain areas controlling eye motion may weaken, causing slower or more irregular movements.
This can lead to trouble following moving objects, difficulties in reading, or even moving the head instead of the eyes to focus on something.
Parade highlights that trained professionals, like neurologists, are usually the ones to spot these signs, but sometimes the changes are noticeable when someone struggles to track objects or quickly shift their gaze.
Interestingly, involuntary eye movements aren’t always caused by dementia. Parade mentions that conditions like strokes, certain medications, or muscle disorders can also cause these symptoms.
Dr. Bock advises seeing a doctor if you or someone you know shows unusual eye movements, as it might indicate other serious issues, such as a stroke.
Parade underscores that while these eye movements might seem minor, paying attention to them could help detect dementia or other health problems early, potentially leading to better outcomes.
For more health tips and early dementia detection advice, Parade recommends consulting a physician and staying informed about the latest research.
Credit : Parade