Dementia in old age

According to the World Health Organization, dementia is the 7th most common disease in the world. It can lead to memory loss, physical disabilities and even death in the elderly. Therefore, a dementia specialist doctor gives a clear explanation about dementia in the elderly. Subashini. What is Dementia.. What causes it..

Dementia is called a neurodegenerative disorder in the medical world. It means that all the nerve cells in the brain are slowly dying. Thus, we call it dementia when his memory is reduced and his activities are paralyzed.

There are many types of dementia. 60-70 percent of people suffer from Alzheimer’s dementia. The next most common is vascular dementia. Apart from this, there are several types of dementia such as Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s dementia. It is not possible to say what causes dementia.

For example, in Alzheimer’s dementia, a type of abnormal protein called beta amyloid deposition is oversecreted in germ cells and deposited in brain nerve cells. When you read like that, all the cells start to die little by little and eventually become inactive. This causes the brain to lose its memory and become ineffective.

Similarly, what causes vascular dementia is that the blood flow to the brain is not 100 percent complete but only 50-60 percent. Due to this, the nutrients required for the brain are not available properly and the brain will lose its ability to function. Similarly, stroke can occur and dementia can also occur. These and other types can be caused by various reasons. It mostly affects the elderly. This is because when diabetes and high blood pressure go unchecked in the elderly over 60 years of age, the blood vessels become damaged, which eventually affects the blood supply to the brain and eventually leads to dementia.

What are the symptoms of dementia?

Dementia is usually diagnosed with memory loss in most people. For example, someone forgets where they put something and often searches for it. Forgetting where you put your nose glasses, looking for money. This causes some kind of anxiety. Due to this, people around us get suspicious without even remembering whether they have eaten, drank water or taken pills during the day and are repeatedly asked by those around them. When they ask the same question over and over again, if they get angry and scold the people around them, then this is the initial symptoms of depression.

This makes them forget to do their daily chores. For example, they even forget how to wear a dress, how to tie a saree, how to brush their teeth. One has to be around and tell you what to do and how to do it. Thus, at some point they will forget everything and become completely dependent on others. And they could not do anything about it by themselves.

Feeling guilty for bothering others, they become depressed and cry and feel sad. This is why some people react negatively and behave aggressively, such as getting angry and cursing at those around them. While passing through this stage, no one is hallucinating, hearing a voice as if speaking into their ear. Forms appear and so on.

Generally, it is only when these symptoms appear that a doctor is sought. Because they think that memory loss is normal with age. This situation must change completely. It should be understood that if you consult a doctor if you feel that the forgetfulness is getting a little too much, the problem can be corrected while it is still small.

Treatment methods…

Although there are currently no cures for dementia,
there are treatments that can help prevent and slow the progression of the disease. There are two types of treatment for this. One is pharmacological and the other is non-pharmacological. Pharmacological means taking treatments through tablets. I- Pharmacological means psychological treatment.

There are two categories in the first category. That is, through pills, to increase the efficiency of the brain. Procrastinating and controlling habits can help prevent dementia from progressing. They should take these pills regularly. Secondly, when the problem subsides, the pills can be reduced.

I- Pharmacology has many categories. Usually what everyone needs is to forget what has been done and repeat what has been said. Asking the same questions over and over again. etc., to provide psychological exercises and resolve their doubts. Thus, they will stop asking questions.

On the other hand, some people have their childhood memories intact. But now all the memories will be forgotten. For that, if they have the materials they used at that time, they keep it and give psychological treatments and fix it. There are many types of such treatments.

Ways to defend yourself..

The best way to prevent dementia is to adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle from a young age. Exercise at least three days a week, if not daily. If you have diabetes and blood pressure, it is very important to keep it under control. Some would have lived as they wished at a young age. They didn’t know anything then. All the mistakes they make can affect the body over time and lead to dementia.

As some people age, their hearing becomes dull. Some people have blurred vision. But, as they get older, they get used to living as it is without really noticing that it will be like this. This eventually worsens the problem and leads to dementia. So, care should be taken in the beginning.

Similarly, smoking and drinking alcohol should also be avoided. Avoid junk food. Also, you should be physically and mentally active. A balanced healthy eating routine is important. Body fat and blood pressure should be kept under control. As we age, we need to be more mindful of our brain health. Therefore, if any symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor as early as possible and undergo appropriate treatment.