Warped sense of humour could be an impending sign of dementia

A dark sense of humour could be one of the early signs of dementia, according to a new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from the University College of London (UCL) found that individuals with dementia laughed at ‘inappropriate’ moments, including news reports about natural disasters, a badly parked car or tragic events.

Dr Camilla Clark, lead researcher at the University of London’s Dementia Research Centre, said: “As sense of humour defines us and is used to build relationships with those around us, changes in what we find funny has impacts far beyond picking a new favourite TV show.

“We’ve highlighted the need to shift the emphasis from dementia being solely about memory loss. These findings have implications for diagnosis – not only should personality and behaviour changes ring alarm bells, but clinicians themselves need to be more aware of these symptoms as an early sign of dementia.

“As well as providing clues to underlying brain changes, subtle differences in what we find funny could help differentiate between the different diseases that cause dementia.”

A series of questionnaires were given to the friends and family members of 48 dementia patients who they had known for more than 15 years before being diagnosed.

Findings from the questionnaires revealed that the majority of respondents noted a ‘shift’ in their relatives or friends sense of humour as much as nine years before their diagnosis.

In addition, respondents revealed that their friend or relative had developed a dark sense of humour - for example, laughing at tragic events in the news or in their personal lives. The dementia patients also tended to prefer slapstick to satirical humour, when compared with 21 healthy people of a similar age.

Previous research suggests that an altered sense of humour is particularly common in two specific types of dementia: semantic dementia and frontotemporal dementia.

The area of the brain these types of dementia affect is involved with personality and behaviour. In this instance people can lose their inhibition, become more impulsive and struggle with social situations.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Rob Buckle, director of science programmes at the Medical Research Council (MRC), said: “As we come to understand more about the symptoms of dementia we realise that the complex disease is about much more than memory loss. Such insights will allow us to build up a full picture of the changes that people experience in the early stages of dementia and as the disease progresses, guiding both improved and earlier diagnosis and the delivery of care.

“Recognising the behavioural patterns the disease follows will also help researchers discern different forms of the disease and identify suitable people for clinical trials to test new interventions.”

Dr Simon Ridley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, has urged anyone concerned about behavioural changes to visit their GP. He added: "While memory loss is often the first thing that springs to mind when we hear the word dementia, this study highlights the importance of looking at the myriad of symptoms that impact on daily life and relationships.

"A deeper understanding of the full range of dementia symptoms will increase our ability to make a timely and accurate diagnosis."