As per the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide. Dementia is a term for several diseases that affects the brain and its ability to perform daily activities. It is mostly common amongst the older people, leading to weak memory. Dementia has physical, psychological, social and economic impacts, not only for people living with dementia, but also for their care givers, families and society at large. In this blog, we will delve into the world of dementia, shedding light on its causes, symptoms, and the impact it has on both individuals and their families.
There is often a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, resulting
in stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis
and care. About 7.4% of the Indian adult population suffers with dementia.
Now, what are the symptoms of dementia?
a) Memory loss, poor judgement and confusion
b) Difficulty in speaking, and communicating one’s thoughts.
c) Wandering and getting lost even in a familiar neighborhood
d) Repeating questions
e) Losing interest in normal daily activities
The underlying causes of dementia:
Dementia is primarily caused by damage to brain cells. This damage can result from various underlying conditions. Alzheimer's disease, for instance, is marked by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the brain, which disrupts the communication between neurons. Vascular dementia, on the other hand, is the result of reduced blood flow to the brain due to stroke or small vessel disease. These and other causes contribute to the diverse nature of dementia.
As stated above, various neurodegenerative disorders and factors contribute to the development of dementia through a progressive and irreversible loss of neurons and brain functioning.
Types of dementia include:
a) Alzheimer’s disease, the most common diagnosis among the older adults.
b) Frontotemporal dementia, which tends to occur in people younger than 60.
c) Lewy body dementia, form of dementia that is caused by the excessive
quantities of protein alpha-synuclein called
lewy bodies.
d) Mixed dementia, a combination of two or more types of dementia.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis is crucial for managing dementia effectively. Medical professionals typically use a combination of clinical assessments, cognitive tests, and medical history to make a diagnosis. Once diagnosed, the focus shifts to improving the individual's quality of life and managing their symptoms.
While there is currently no cure for most types of dementia, various treatments and interventions can help slow the progression of the condition and alleviate some of its symptoms. Medications, cognitive therapies, and lifestyle changes can all play a role in managing dementia. Hence, it is important to reach out to a doctor near you to get a timely check on the condition for effectively handling it on time.
Prevention and Future Direction
Preventing dementia remains an ongoing area of study. While some risk factors, such as age and genetics, are beyond our
control, there are modifiable factors that individuals can influence. These include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging
in regular physical exercise, staying mentally and socially active, managing chronic health conditions, and abstaining
from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
In summary, dementia is a complex and challenging issue that affects numerous individuals. Recognizing its origins,
symptoms, and the emotional toll it exacts on both patients and their families is crucial. Hence, it is important to
consult a professional at the earliest for consultation and understanding of the condition in order to take effective
steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
