Taiwan Elderly Show Early Dementia Signs Tied to Depression, Anxiety

Medical experts in Taiwan warn that early signs of dementia may appear as depression and anxiety before memory loss becomes evident. A 72‑year‑old retired elementary‑school teacher, referred to as Chen, experienced social withdrawal, loss of interest in gardening, and eventually became disoriented near his longtime home. After medical evaluation, he was diagnosed with early‑stage Alzheimer’s disease accompanied by depressive symptoms. His family adopted lifestyle changes—balanced diet, regular aerobic exercise, sunlight exposure, and community activities—which helped improve his mood and maintain quality of life.

Separately, 92‑year‑old former weather broadcaster Li Fu Cheng, who recently earned a master’s degree, attributes his mental resilience to continuous learning and social engagement. He credits staying intellectually active with reducing depressive feelings and slowing the progression of cognitive decline. Both cases illustrate the importance of early detection and proactive lifestyle measures in managing dementia risk.