Dementia is an issue that is being one of the most important health challenges of the contemporary age since it has afflicted millions of people and their families across the globe. It is commonly confused with being a normal aging process, however it is a multifaceted clinical process involving a deterioration in cognitive ability that surpasses what could be thought to be caused by biological aging. The evolution of dementia, its manifestation, etiology, and the time when medical intervention is necessary are becoming more important in the context of the growing life expectancy of our global population, and to ensure the quality of life and timely assistance.
What is Dementia?
Dementia on the contrary is not a disease per se. Rather, it is a blanket term, applied to encompass a collection of signs and symptoms which relate to the deterioration of memory, reasoning and other thinking capabilities. These have to be severe symptoms that impair the capacity of an individual to conduct his/her daily affairs. Inasmuch as the most prevalent cause of dementia is Alzheimer disease, which is responsible in about 60 to 80 percent of cases, there exist many other types. The second most common is vascular dementia that comes after a stroke or as a result of damaged blood vessels. Others are the Lewy body dementia which is marked by the presence of deposits of proteins in the nerve cells and the frontotemporal dementia which tends to affect the personality and behavior more than the memory in its initial stages.
Dementia is a disease which is caused by brain cell damage. This injury disrupts the communication between brain cells resulting in alteration of thoughts, behaviour and emotion. As the brain exists in separate parts, which perform various functions, the effects of dementia differ with different parts of the brain which are mostly affected.
Early Signs of Dementia
It may be difficult to identify the onset of dementia since most of these symptoms are similar to the mild forgetfulness that all individuals experience with old age. But the most important distinction is the frequency and the effects on everyday life.
Memory loss That Interferes With Daily Life: It is the most familiar one most of the time. It involves forgetting of recently obtained information, requesting the same information to be repeated or increasingly relying on memory aids such as notes or electronic devices to perform tasks the individual would have done on their own.
Problem Solving Familiar Tasks: Dementia patients have problems with solving their routine tasks. They can lose the rules of a favorite game, have trouble getting to a familiar place by driving, or be unable to follow a well-known recipe.
Communication and Language Difficulties: Anyone may experience difficulties with picking the appropriate word, however, a person with dementia may cease a conversation and no longer knows what to say. They may also replace unusual words with common objects e.g. describing a watch as a hand-clock.
Loss of Time and Place: Becoming disoriented about time, seasons, time passing is a common early symptom. One can lose track of his or her location, how they got there, despite the fact that the person has lived in this location for decades.
Mood and Personality Shifts: Dementia may lead to a serious change in temperament. A person can get lost, suspicious, depressed, frightened, or nervous. They also may be easily angry at home or when they are not at their comfort zone.
Understanding Risk Factors
Although we cannot control some of the risk factors that cause dementia, recent studies have established a number of factors that can be modified and that can greatly affect the chances of one contracting the condition.
Advancing Age: The most recognized risk factor of dementia is the advancing age where most of the cases are found in individuals aged 65 and more. Nevertheless, it should be stressed once again that dementia is not a normal aging process.
Genetic Predisposition: A role is played by family history. Individuals with a relative or sibling with dementia are more likely to be exposed to a high risk. There are certain genes that are associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer and these include the APOE-e4 gene which though not necessarily leads to development has been linked to this disease.
Hearing Loss and Vision Loss With No Treatment: The recent clinical researches have found the hearing impairment and untreated vision loss to be a major modifiable risk factor. Cognitive stimulation and risk reduction can be achieved by using hearing aids and obtaining corrective eye care.
High LDL Cholesterol: Cardiovascular diseases, which harm the heart and blood vessels, including high “bad” cholesterol (LDL), high blood pressure, and diabetes, also put the risk of dementia at risk given that they influence the blood flow to the brain.
Lifestyle and Social Isolation: Smoking, alcohol abuse and physical activity are associated with elevated dementia levels. Moreover, later life social isolation has been found to hasten cognitive impairment.
When to Seek Help
Learning how to know when to stop the symptoms monitoring and seek the help of a professional practitioner is an essential measure. It is high time you or your loved one visited a doctor when you are having memory issues that are affecting your daily life. This is particularly so when the symptoms involve loss of orientation at the familiar locations, drastic mood swings or failure to manage personal finances.
Not only should a medical assessment be done to diagnose dementia but also to eliminate reversible causes of memory loss. Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, depression or even some interactions of medications can imitate the symptoms of dementia. The most effective approach is to be diagnosed early in order to be treated and take part in clinical trials, as well as to anticipate future care requirements.
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