Twisted sense of humour could lead to dementia, new study warns

It seems there may be link between a change in humour and dementia

LAUGHING at inappropriate moments may be a warning sign of the impending disease, according to the research.

 

An increasingly warped sense of humour may actually be cause for concern, says a new study. 

It seems there may be a link between a change in comedic temperament and dementia. 

 

The research, from University College of London, spoke to friends and family of 48 dementia patients.

Respondents had known the patients for more than 15 years before the disease overcame them and many said their relatives' sense of humour had changed noticeably. 

 

Results showed dementia patients laughed at "frankly inappropriate" moments

The results showed dementia patients laughed at "frankly inappropriate" moments prior to the onset of the disease.

Such moments included watching news reports about natural disasters, or seeing a car parked badly. 

One respondent even remembered the relative laughing when they had severely injured themselves.

 

One respondent even remembered the relative laughing when they had severely injured themselves

Another wrote: "I have asthma - (they) laugh sometimes when I am fighting to get my breath."  

The study also found dementia patients were more inclined to find slapstick comedy more funny than satirical. 

An altered sense of humour is especially common in two types of dementia: 'semantic' and 'frontotemporal,' from which sufferers lose their ability to read social situations. 

  

Dr Simon Ridley said a deeper understanding of symptoms is needed

It was also found in patients with Alzheimer's disease. 

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Simon Ridley of Alzheimer's Research UK said: "This study highlights the importance of looking at the myriad of 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."