What is Dementia?

Dementia covers a wide range of conditions that impairs memory, thinking, and daily activities. This mainly affects the elderly.    

Risk factors include;

• increasing age,
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Separation from society

The impact extends to individuals, families, and society, but stigma and limited awareness often prevent timely diagnosis and care.

Age for dementia

This disease is most common in people over age 65, but it can also occur in your 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Dementia in DSMV TR

Dementia comes under the category of major Neurocognitive disorder in DSMV-TR.

There are many types of dementia according to DSMV-TR

These types are;

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Frontotemporal degeneration
• Lewy body disease
• Vascular disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Substance/medication use
• HIV infection
• Prion disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Huntington’s disease
• Another medical condition
• Multiple etiologies
• Unspecified etiology

If a person caught by dementia he/she cannot fully recovered. But the progression of forgetfulness slow and stop by the use of medications and therapies.

Symptoms of dementia

Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause. Common symptoms include;

Cognitive changes

• Problem in communication sometime starts stuttering
• Difficulty in visual and spatial
• Problem solving
• They have problem in performing complex tasks
• Loss of memory which is noticed by others
• Trouble with planning and organizing.
• They have very low level of control of movements
• They feel confusion

Psychological changes

• Personality changes.
• Disappointment
• Anxiety
• Movement
• Inappropriate behavior
• Have doubts, called paranoia
• Seeing things that are not there is called hallucination

Medications which used to treat dementia?

• Donepezil and different cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil (Aricept), galantamine (Razadyne, Reminyl), and rivastigmine (Exelon) are usually used to deal with Alzheimer’s disease.
• NMDA receptor antagonists, including memantine, are frequently prescribed for Alzheimer’s and advanced dementia.
• Controlling blood strain and cholesterol can assist and save you in addition damage because of brain harm. Cholinesterase inhibitors such as donepezil are often used to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
• An antidepressants like SSRI may be used if a person with severe Alzheimer is not making progress with lifestyle or lifestyle changes. Although it may not be the first line of treatment.
• If the patient have psychotic symptoms than medicines like aripiprazole (Abilify), haloperidol (Haldol), olanzapine (Zyprexa), and risperidone (Risperdal) used to deal with aggressive behavior, Delusions, hallucination and also agitation.
• Donepezil is a commonly used antidepressant medication. However, if donepezil causes side effects or is inappropriate due to another medical condition, rivastigmine is often recommended as an alternative.

Deficiencies which cause dementia?

• Chronically low levels of diet B12 can motive long-term reminiscence loss. This is frequently hard to do. This in the long run will increase the chance of depression…
• When using those elements collectively Vitamin B12 deficiency is a reason of premature dementia. Reinforcing the significance of retaining intellectual health
• Alzheimer’s disorder is strongly associated with low stages of acetylcholine. That is a neurotransmitter important to reminiscence and learning.

Gender role in dementia?

Dementia is more common in female rather than male. A Research was made in 2024 which shows that Alzheimer’s disease cases and healthcare costs are expected to increase significantly by 2050 as the population ages and grows. Women are more at risk for this disease. And recent research links COVID-19 to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Because of the effect on the brain managing risk factors and improving treatment by improving cardiovascular health and lifestyle can help reduce future disease rates.

Is Dementia is inherited?

Dementia is not transfer to the child from mother or single parent. It transfer to the child if both parents are have dementia. A research in 2024 shows that vascular dementia (VaD) has a genetic issue. Close to current genetic advances inclusive of genome-extensive studies Polygenic Risk Score and schooling inside the own family. This highlights the complexity of VaD, similarly to highlighting the genetic affiliation of situations along with stroke. Small blood vessel disorder and amyloidosis within the mind. They advise that genetics play an essential function in the development of VaD however also spotlight modifiable threat factors. It is usually recommended that genetic elements and life-style elements make a contribution to the ailment.

Most common form of dementia?

Most common form of dementia is Alzheimer.

Psychotherapy

Being diagnosed with depression can be overwhelming, however it is best to seek advice from your doctor, psychologist or mental health professional. These things can be of valuable help to you and your loved ones. Also join a local or online support group. It can provide comfort and connection during this difficult time.

• Psychotherapy can help improve memory and thinking. Or at least brighten your day by making your loved ones happy. It is important that the activity chosen enhances the quality of life and does not cause irritability or stress.
• One helpful method is Reminiscence therapy. This involves talking about your loved one’s past, such as their hometown and school experiences. Your work life or favorite hobby that you can pursue alone or in a group as part of structured therapy. The therapist may include familiar elements from the past, such as favorite songs, pictures, or personal items for stimulating memory
• Another option is cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), which is designed primarily for people with mild to moderate depression. During this workshop, participants will participate in stimulating activities such as current affairs storytelling, song singing and word games. Or follow a recipe together. These activities encourage interaction and intellectual participation in an appropriate environment.

Daily routine for dementia Patient

Although some people develop dementia. Their daily habits can also greatly affect how they feel. The same lifestyle choices that benefit the heart and body also play an important role in supporting the mind and emotions.

• Active plays

Active plays gives vital function to your universal well-being. Whether thru dependent workout training or simple activities like strolling, dancing, or gardening, it is vital to hold balance. But it is crucial to make sure that any exercise Safe for the humans you like. This is especially true when their abilities may fluctuate due to dementia or other health conditions. Research continues to show that exercise not only slows the progression of dementia symptoms, such as cognitive decline. But it can also help reduce it more effectively. Anxiety and depression… in short, it makes a meaningful difference.

• Good sleep

Prioritizing good sleep is just as important. Many people with dementia feel better at the end of the day. So create a quiet routine. In the evening it might be helpful. Encourage your loved one to avoid tea, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages. Especially in the afternoon or evening. And limiting naps during the day to create a quiet atmosphere without disturbing noises such as TV noise also helps improve sleep quality.

• Nutrition

Another vital element to don’t forget is nutrition. What the one that you love eats has a right away impact on their psyche and typical health. Adopting healthy ingesting behavior that improve memory can sluggish the development of dementia. You can be acquainted with the MIND weight loss plan, which combines ideas from the Mediterranean eating regimen and the DASH eating regimen, each of which are acknowledged for his or her heart fitness blessings. Although ongoing research ambitions to decide whether or not this diet can prevent or postpone dementia. But such food nonetheless has nutritional price. Especially in areas with very low rates of dementia…

Some Healthy diet for dementia Patient is;

• Fish
• Poultry
• Vegetables, especially leafy greens (think of spinach, kale, and other greens)
• Nuts
• Berries
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Olive oil

Note: In case of any complications visit your doctor………..this is only for your information purpose……