DEMENTIA
\nDementia refers to a group of symptoms caused by several brain disorders.
\nIt is not one disease. Dementia is characterized by impaired intellectual functioning that interferes with daily activities or personal relationships. The manifestations of Dementia include:
\n\u2022\tMemory loss, e.g., forgetting names of close relatives
\n\u2022\tLanguage difficulty
\n\u2022\tDecreased perception
\n\u2022\tAbstract thinking
\n\u2022\tImpaired reasoning
\n\u2022\tImpaired judgement
\n\u2022\tDisorientation
\n\u2022\tOdd behaviour<\/p>\n
RISK FACTORS
\nAge
\nDementia 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.
\nGenetic predisposition
\nDementia tends to run in families. <\/p>\n
Social heath
\nPredisposing factors include
\nSmoking
\nAlcohol
\nDrug abuse
\nLoneliness
\nLack of exercise<\/p>\n
Preexisting disease conditions
\nThese include:
\nDepression
\nHigh blood pressure
\nObesity
\nBrain injury<\/p>\n
OUTCOME OF DEMENTIA<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
TYPES OF DEMENTIA<\/p>\n
Dementia may be primary (when there is no obvious cause), or secondary (resulting from a known illness affecting the brain).
\nDifferent types of Primary Dementia include:
\n1.\tAlzheimer\u2019s 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\u2019s Disease).
\n2.\tVascular 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.
\n3.\tCortical Dementia.
\n4.\tSubcortical Dementia.
\n5.\tProgressive Dementia.
\nDifferent types of Secondary Dementia (Dementia secondary to brain disorders) include:
\n1.\tDementia secondary to brain infections
\n2.\tDementia secondary to Multiple Sclerosis
\n3.\tMulti-infarct Dementia
\n4.\tLewy Body Dementia
\n5.\tHIV-associated Dementia
\n6.\tDementia Pugilistica, seen in boxers
\n7.\tCreutzfeldt-Jakob Disease- seen in humans and some animals (Mad Cow Disease)<\/p>\n
CUTTING DEMENTIA RISKS<\/p>\n
These measures are helpful to prevent Dementia:
\n1.\tMaintain normal blood pressure.
\n2.\tAvoid smoking.
\n3.\tRegular exercises.
\n4.\tSocialize as much as possible.
\n5.\tMaintain good mental health.
\n6.\tAvoid head injury.
\n7.\tAvoid alcohol abuse.
\n8.\tDietary regulation.
\n9.\tHave enough sleep and rest.<\/p>\n
FOODS THAT MAY PROMOTE DEMENTIA<\/p>\n
These include:
\n1.\tSweets
\n2.\tMargarine
\n3.\tCheese
\n4.\tAlcohol
\n5.\tRed meat
\n6.\tButter
\n7.\tPastries
\n8.\tFried foods
\n9.\tSoft drinks (including diet soda) and sweet beverages
\n10.\tDoughnuts
\n11.\tWhite bread
\n12.\tWhite rice<\/p>\n
FOODS GOOD FOR BRAIN HEALTH<\/p>\n
1.\tOlive oil
\n2.\tNuts
\n3.\tBeans
\n4.\tVegetables
\n5.\tBerries (blueberry or strawberry)
\n6.\tGrains
\n7.\tFish
\n8.\tPoultry foods
\n9.\tProtein-rich foods<\/p>\n
TREATMENT<\/p>\n
Dementia is usually a progressive, incurable, lifelong condition. There are nondrug and drug therapies that may help.<\/p>\n
Nondrug therapies<\/p>\n
The following measures are beneficial:
\nSimplifying living environment to avoid body injuries
\nInvolvement in social activities such as singing, dancing, gardening
\nInvolvement in religious activities
\nCare, attention and communication with family members, friends, and community members
\nLight exercises <\/p>\n
Drug Therapy<\/p>\n
Some drugs may help, such as:
\no\tCholinesterase inhibitors
\no\tMemantine
\no\tDrugs for associated conditions like sleep disorders, hallucinations, depression, Parkinsonism<\/p>\n
References
\nhttps:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/aging\/dementia\/
\nhttps:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/dementia\/treatment\/
\nhttps:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions
\nhttps:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/dementia
\nhttps:\/\/www.webmd.com\/alzheimers\/types-dementia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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