Published on November 24, 2022
Dr. Bhakti Gajjar, Consultant Neurologist, HCG Hospitals, Ahmedabad
Dementia is viewed as a serious condition, particularly when considering the ageing population. Its effects a person’s behaviour and functional capacity and have serious implications for how well they can interact with other individuals. Dementia does not identify as a disease but instead is an umbrella term presented to a range of diseases caused by cognitive impairment affecting memory, thinking, and communication abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most relevant example of dementia.
Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms are:
Causes and Risk Factors
Biologically, dementia is caused by damage to or loss of brain’s nerve cells and connections. The interfering damage prevents brain cells from communicating with one another, as a result cognitive functions such as thinking, behaviour, along with feelings might be impacted when brain cells are unable to interact correctly.
Although some of the risk factors for dementia may be adjusted by the individual, some remain beyond their control.
Risk factors that cannot be controlled by the individual include:
Risk factors within control of the individual include:
Types of Dementia
Treatment
Fundamentally, there is no direct treatment for dementia. Medicine can temporarily control certain symptoms and provide patients with a minimal level of care by raising levels of a chemical messenger critical to memory and judgement. However, the dependable and long-lasting treatment for dementia emphasises the need of adopting lifestyle practices that reduce the risk of dementia.
Prevention
Engaging in various activities that improve physical and mental strength makes a substantial contribution to maintaining a healthy cognitive brain and delaying the emergence of dementia symptoms.
Mental Activities
When the brain is maintained active, it is believed that both the number of healthy brain cells and the connections between them increase. It is witnessed that those who are mentally active are less prone to have cognitive deterioration. As a result, persons who exhibit dementia symptoms and are susceptible to its risk factors are routinely recommended brain-training exercises like games and puzzles.
Physical Activity
Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which improves learning and memory. Additionally, it has been shown to increase mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and increase attentiveness. These benefits are essential since people with dementia frequently experience higher amounts of stress than average people. The benefits of physical activities may result from increases in blood flow to the brain, which elevates oxygen levels there and aids the brain in fending off the degenerative effects of Alzheimer’s disease. According to a growing body of evidence, physical activity can help decrease or even stop dementia from developing in persons who already have other dementia risk factors (such as a family history).
If dementia risk indicators are present in a person, it is imperatively advised to seek expert assistance and go to the local hospital to guarantee a good outcome and general standards of wellbeing.