Introduction
Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and can cause problems with memory, thinking, and decision-making. It can have a significant impact on daily life, and there are many types of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type, but it's important to note that dementia is not a normal part of ageing. Dementia can have different causes and symptoms. While Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia, there is also another common type called vascular dementia.
(Image Source: Pan American Health Organization)
How often does Dementia occur?
Research indicates that in the UK, there are over 850,000 individuals living with dementia. This condition mainly affects those over 65 years old, impacting about 1 in 14 people. However, the prevalence increases to 1 in 6 among those over 80 years old. The number of dementia cases is on the rise due to longer life expectancies, with projections estimating that the UK will have over 1 million people with dementia by 2025. Globally, it is estimated that around 5 million adults aged 65 and above were living with dementia in 2014, and this number is projected to increase to almost 14 million by 2060 due to the ageing population.
As we age, it's natural to experience some changes in our memory and other bodily functions. However, many older adults do not develop dementia. Some common age-related memory changes include occasionally forgetting where we placed an item, having trouble finding the right word but eventually remembering it, forgetting the name of someone we've met before, or having difficulty recalling recent events. Despite these changes, our overall knowledge, past experiences, old memories, and language abilities usually remain intact. It's important to be able to differentiate between normal age-related changes and the more severe cognitive decline associated with dementia.
Types Of Dementia
The term dementia is generally used to describe the loss of memory and other cognitive abilities that make daily life difficult. It's caused by a physical alteration in the brain. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia, but there are many kinds.
Alzheimer's disease
Vascular dementia
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Frontotemporal Dementia
Mixed dementia
Young-onset dementia
Atypical Alzheimer’s disease
CADASIL
Corticobasal syndrome (CBS)
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD)
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND)
Huntington’s disease
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
The Reason for Dementia
(Image Source: UCSF Memory and Aging Center)
Dementia is a condition that is caused by damage to brain cells, which affects the ability of these cells to communicate with each other. The brain has different regions, each responsible for different functions, such as memory, judgment, and movement. When cells in a particular region are damaged, that region cannot perform its functions normally. One of the most common types of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which is associated with high levels of certain proteins inside and outside brain cells. This makes it difficult for brain cells to stay healthy and communicate with each other. Memory loss is often one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. While most changes in the brain that cause dementia are permanent and worsen over time, some thinking and memory problems are caused by conditions such as:
Depression,
Medication side effects,
Excess alcohol use,
Thyroid problems
Vitamin deficiencies
This may improve when the underlying condition is treated. The most common causes of dementia include degenerative neurological diseases, vascular disorders, traumatic brain injuries, infections of the central nervous system and certain types of hydrocephalus. Some causes of dementia are reversible:
Alcohol or substance use disorder
Tumors
Subdural hematomas, blood clots beneath the outer covering of the brain
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain
Metabolic disorders such as a vitamin B12 deficiency
Low levels of thyroid hormones, called hypothyroidism
Low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND)
Remedy for Dementia
Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that caregivers and care partners can try for individuals with dementia:
Enhance communication: Maintain eye contact, speak slowly in simple sentences, and present one idea or instruction at a time. Use gestures and cues to aid understanding.
Encourage exercise: Regular physical activity can improve strength, balance, and cardiovascular health which may help with symptoms like restlessness. It may also protect the brain from dementia and slow the progression of impaired thinking.
Engage in activity: Plan enjoyable activities that the person with dementia can participate in, such as dancing, painting, gardening, cooking, or singing. This promotes connection and focuses on their remaining abilities.
Establish a nighttime ritual: Create calming bedtime routines away from noise and stimulation. Use night lights to prevent disorientation. Limit caffeine, discourage napping, and offer daytime exercise to reduce nighttime restlessness.
Keep a calendar: Use a calendar to help the person with dementia remember upcoming events, daily activities, and medication schedules. Sharing a calendar with them can provide visual reminders.
Plan for the future: Work together with your loved one to develop a care plan that addresses financial and legal matters, safety concerns, daily living needs, and long-term care options. Seek support from support groups, legal advisors, and family members.
These suggestions aim to improve communication, maintain physical and mental well-being, provide meaningful engagement, ensure a peaceful sleep routine, enhance memory support, and plan for future care.
Alternative medicine for dementia, such as supplements and herbs, have limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Exercise caution when taking these remedies, especially if you are already taking medication. Vitamin E supplements have mixed results and can be dangerous in excessive doses. Instead, include vitamin E-rich foods in the diet. Certain therapies, such as music, light exercise, and art therapy, have shown potential in reducing agitation and promoting relaxation. Consult healthcare professionals before considering alternative therapies.
(Image Source: Alzheimer's New Zealand)
Reduce the Risk of Dementia
We can reduce the risk of dementia by the following points:
Physical activity
Eating healthily
Don't smoke
Drink less alcohol
Stay mentally and socially active
Take control of your health
Diagnosis & Treatment for Dementia
Diagnosing dementia involves reviewing the patient's history, conducting physical and cognitive tests, and performing additional tests such as blood work, brain scans, and neurological evaluations. There is no single test for dementia, and doctors use a combination of methods to assess memory, thinking, and other cognitive functions. Biomarkers and psychiatric evaluations may also be used to aid in diagnosis. It's important to note that the information provided is a general overview of the diagnostic process for dementia. Ten warning signs:
Recent memory loss that affects job skills
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Problems with language
Disorientation of time and place
Poor or decreased judgement
Problems with abstract thinking
Misplacing things
Changes in mood or behaviour
Changes in personality
Loss of initiative
The treatment options available for dementia largely depend on the root cause of the condition. Unfortunately, most progressive dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease, currently have no cure. However, there are treatments that can be prescribed to manage symptoms and improve individuals' quality of life. One such treatment is the use of medications like cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine which are specifically designed to manage cognitive symptoms. Additionally, other medications may be prescribed to address specific symptoms or conditions that may be associated with dementia. Non-drug therapies, such as occupational therapy and environmental modifications, can also be used to effectively manage symptoms and create a safer living environment. It is crucial to note that while treatment options do exist for dementia, they are aimed at managing symptoms rather than curing the condition outright, and the effectiveness of these treatments can vary significantly from one individual to the next.
Citation:
(Cover Image Source: acendahealth.org)
“What Is Dementia?” CDC on April 5, 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/dementia/index.html#:~:text=Dementia%20is%20not%20a%20specific,a%20part%20of%20normal%20aging.
“Dementia guide” NHS on June 8, 2021. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/
“What is Dementia? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment” Alzheimer's Association. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
“Types of dementia” Alzheimer's Society. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia
“Dementia: Stages, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments” WebMD on February 08, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/types-dementia
“How to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias” Alzheimer's Society on 25 November 2021. https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/risk-factors-and-prevention/how-reduce-your-risk-alzheimers-and-other-dementias
“Dementia - Diagnosis and treatment” Mayo Clinic on Oct. 12, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
“About dementia” Dementia Australia. https://www.dementia.org.au/information/about-dementia
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