Warped Sense Of Humour Could Be An Early Sign Of Dementia, Says Study

The development of a warped sense of humour could be a sign of dementia, a study has claimed.

Scientists at University College London (UCL) said a change in humour occurs in dementia patients many years before they are diagnosed.

It surveyed the friends and family of 48 patients with frontotemporal dementia and found that many sufferers laughed inappropriately at tragic events.

People with frontotemporal dementia can develop new personality traits, becoming more impulsive while struggling to deal with certain social situations.

The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, asked patients’ loved ones to rate the sufferer’s liking for different types of comedy, ranging from slapstick to satire and inappropriate humour.

Almost all of those surveyed said they had noticed a change in the person’s sense of humour in the nine years before they were diagnosed with dementia.

Dr Camilla Clark at UCL told the BBC: “These were marked changes - completely inappropriate humour well beyond the realms of even distasteful humour. For example, one man laughed when his wife badly scalded herself.”

It is hoped the findings could help with earlier diagnosis of dementia.

Dr Simon Ridley, from Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “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 different 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.”

(Picture: Rex Features)