Often, as people grow older, they experience a decline in bodily functions, including organs such as the brain. Forgetfulness is something that normally occurs as people age; however, there is a huge difference between forgetfulness and dementia. It is important to note that dementia is NOT a normal part of aging.
It is a disorder that majorly affects people of African descent and, sadly, is usually ignored and thought to be a normal part of growing old. In this article, we look at what dementia is and what the symptoms are. How can you prevent dementia? Also, how can you take care of people with dementia?
What is Dementia?
Dementia generally refers to a range of symptoms, including loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. These symptoms are usually severe enough to interfere with normal day-to-day activities in an affected person. There are several forms of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form.
This disease results from abnormal changes in the brain. These structural brain changes then affect cognitive function and later worsen, disrupting a person’s behaviour, relationships, and interactions with other people and the environment.
What are The Signs and Symptoms of Dementia?
As discussed above, this illness has similar symptoms to senility, but the major difference is that dementia interferes with normal daily function. Some of the noticeable symptoms of dementia include:
Changes in Memory
- Difficulty remembering words or communicating
- Difficulty with thinking or problem-solving
- Difficulty with handling complex issues
- Inability to plan or organise
Changes in Balance
- Inability to maintain coordination and motor functions
- Confusion and Disorientation
- Difficulty with maintaining orientation in space, such as driving in the wrong direction
Mental Changes
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Paranoia (fear of the unknown)
- Hallucinations (seeing what is not there)
What are the Risk Factors for Dementia?
Age
The older people get, the more likely they are to have dementia. People above the age of 65 are especially prone to this disease. However, as mentioned above, dementia is not a normal part of growing up. Young people can also develop the disease, which should not be dismissed as forgetfulness.
Family History
Having a family member who has suffered from dementia puts one at greater risk of also suffering the same. This is not to say all people with a family history will develop the disease. It is important to take genetic tests to determine whether you have inherited certain genetic mutations if you have a family history of the disease.
Heart-related factors
Heart diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis (buildup of fat in the vessels in the heart), and hypercholerostinemia (high cholesterol levels) are risk factors. Development of problems in the vascular system—that is, how the heart supplies blood to the brain—can contribute to the development of dementia.
Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
The blood-brain barrier is a barrier that protects the brain from toxic substances. Alcohol crosses this barrier very easily! Studies have shown that consuming very large amounts of alcohol does significant damage to the brain that can result in the early development of dementia. Likewise, smoking can affect the development of heart and blood vessel-related diseases, which increases the risk of dementia.
How to Prevent Dementia
It should be noted that there is no certain means of preventing dementia. However, you can adopt the following 3 ways to prevent dementia.
1 – Be active
Mental, physical, and social activity are some of the most effective ways of decreasing one’s chances of developing dementia. Regular activities that help to sharpen the mind, such as reading, playing games, solving riddles or puzzles, and memorizing words to train memory, are especially helpful. Also, regular exercise and a strong social network are greatly beneficial.
2 – Take care of your heart.
As has been said above, heart-related diseases have a strong correlation with one’s risk of developing this disorder. Some of the helpful ways of taking care of the heart include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Cessation of smoking
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Exercise
- Losing weight if overweight or obese
- Adhering to medications if already hypertensive or with hypercholerostinemia
3 – Maintain healthy sleep hygiene
Lack of good quality sleep contributes to the risk of developing this disease. Ensure to sleep for 8 hours every night and visit your physician if you have difficulty sleeping. It is important not to abuse sleep medications, such as drugs that contain diphenhydramine,e as they can worsen the memory.
How to Care for People Living with Dementia
Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia. It, however, can be managed in a way that helps to improve the cognitive and behavioural functions of the affected individual. Even though there is no cure for this disease, several medications can help address some symptoms, depending on the exact cause of the disease.
For instance, Alzheimer’s, which is the most common form of dementia, can be managed using medications that slow down the rate of worsening of the disease. Also, medications that improve cognitive function, such as galantamine and Donepezil, can help improve the patient’s quality of life.
Be gentle and kind
People living with this disease often exhibit certain behaviours that might affect their interaction with people. It is important always to remember that this is a result of brain degeneration and nothing of the patient’s doing. Patience and understanding are the most important elements in dealing with people living with this disease. Showering them affectionately and providing constant support will help them better live with the disease.
Misdiagnosis is another major problem, as it has been said that it is mostly taken to be a normal part of aging. The cognitive decline that affects a person’s daily life should not be dismissed and should be properly looked into. This helps to get an early diagnosis and slow the disease progression rate.
A Word from HealthFacts
Although dementia is not normal, it still happens, especially if you have the risk factors. Coping with dementia can be challenging, and taking care of a loved one with this condition can be tiring. Nevertheless, always remember to be kind, gentle, and supportive.
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