DEMENTIA
Dementia refers to a group of symptoms caused by several brain disorders.
It is not one disease. Dementia is characterized by impaired intellectual functioning that interferes with daily activities or personal relationships. The manifestations of Dementia include:
• Memory loss, e.g., forgetting names of close relatives
• Language difficulty
• Decreased perception
• Abstract thinking
• Impaired reasoning
• Impaired judgement
• Disorientation
• Odd behaviour
RISK FACTORS
Age
Dementia is more common in people above 65, but it is possible in all ages. This occurs when there is significant decline in cognitive function beyond what is expected from decline through ageing.
Genetic predisposition
Dementia tends to run in families.
Social heath
Predisposing factors include
Smoking
Alcohol
Drug abuse
Loneliness
Lack of exercise
Preexisting disease conditions
These include:
Depression
High blood pressure
Obesity
Brain injury
OUTCOME OF DEMENTIA
The disorder is usually a result of organic disorder of the brain, and it may be reversible, or incurable (lifelog). The condition may be so severe as to interfere with daily life.
TYPES OF DEMENTIA
Dementia may be primary (when there is no obvious cause), or secondary (resulting from a known illness affecting the brain).
Different types of Primary Dementia include:
1. Alzheimer’s Disease (50-70% of all Dementias). This is 5th leading cause of death in people above 65. Two-thirds of patients are female. It is found in most cases above the age of 65. 5% of cases are seen between ages of 40 and 50 (early onset Alzheimer’s Disease).
2. Vascular Dementia (15-20% of cases of Dementia). This arises from disorders affecting blood supply to the brain, such as, Stroke, Atherosclerosis, Endocarditis, Amyloidosis. Risk factors include Hypertension, Smoking, Stroke, Diabetes Mellitus, Black race.
3. Cortical Dementia.
4. Subcortical Dementia.
5. Progressive Dementia.
Different types of Secondary Dementia (Dementia secondary to brain disorders) include:
1. Dementia secondary to brain infections
2. Dementia secondary to Multiple Sclerosis
3. Multi-infarct Dementia
4. Lewy Body Dementia
5. HIV-associated Dementia
6. Dementia Pugilistica, seen in boxers
7. Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease- seen in humans and some animals (Mad Cow Disease)
CUTTING DEMENTIA RISKS
These measures are helpful to prevent Dementia:
1. Maintain normal blood pressure.
2. Avoid smoking.
3. Regular exercises.
4. Socialize as much as possible.
5. Maintain good mental health.
6. Avoid head injury.
7. Avoid alcohol abuse.
8. Dietary regulation.
9. Have enough sleep and rest.
FOODS THAT MAY PROMOTE DEMENTIA
These include:
1. Sweets
2. Margarine
3. Cheese
4. Alcohol
5. Red meat
6. Butter
7. Pastries
8. Fried foods
9. Soft drinks (including diet soda) and sweet beverages
10. Doughnuts
11. White bread
12. White rice
FOODS GOOD FOR BRAIN HEALTH
1. Olive oil
2. Nuts
3. Beans
4. Vegetables
5. Berries (blueberry or strawberry)
6. Grains
7. Fish
8. Poultry foods
9. Protein-rich foods
TREATMENT
Dementia is usually a progressive, incurable, lifelong condition. There are nondrug and drug therapies that may help.
Nondrug therapies
The following measures are beneficial:
Simplifying living environment to avoid body injuries
Involvement in social activities such as singing, dancing, gardening
Involvement in religious activities
Care, attention and communication with family members, friends, and community members
Light exercises
Drug Therapy
Some drugs may help, such as:
o Cholinesterase inhibitors
o Memantine
o Drugs for associated conditions like sleep disorders, hallucinations, depression, Parkinsonism
References
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/treatment/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/types-dementia
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