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What’s Dementia?

Posted on the 08 April 2023 by Sandra @shvong1

Dementia affects cognition, memory, behavior, and daily life. It is marked by cognitive impairment, which can lead to complete loss of independence.

Dementia includes Alzheimer's, vascular, Lowy body, and front temporal. Dementia symptoms vary, but all involve a considerable cognitive deterioration and a reduction in daily chores.

Genetics, age-related brain changes, and environmental factors such traumatic brain damage or chemicals can cause dementia. Medication, treatment, and lifestyle changes are used to manage dementia symptoms, improve quality of life, and decrease disease progression. The adjustment of medicine is more complicated in this age group. In addition to neurologist also consult best psychiatrist to manage behavioral issues in depression.

What are dementia's 7 symptoms?

Several people have different dementia symptoms.

Dementia symptoms are prevalent. 7 dementia symptoms:
  • Memory loss: A common dementia symptom. It may involve forgetting new facts or significant dates, names, or events.
  • Dementia patients may have trouble finding the correct words or following conversations.
  • Disorientation: Dementia causes confusion, especially about time and place. They may forget their location, time, and how they got there.
  • Dementia can impair judgment and make planning and organization harder.
  • Dementia affects mood and conduct. Irritable, depressed, or apathetic.
  • Dementia may make it hard to dress, bathe, and cook.
  • Dementia can cause loss of initiative and trouble starting new activities.

These symptoms may not indicate dementia and may be caused by other sources. If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, see a doctor.

Dementia's 4 stages?

Dementia progresses. Although symptoms differ from person to person, dementia is usually divided into four stages.

Dementia's four stages:

Mild Cognitive Impairment: Memory loss and cognitive decline do not significantly affect daily life.

Mild dementia: Planning, organizing, and problem-solving may become difficult. Memory and disorientation worsen.

Mild Dementia: Memory loss and cognitive function worsen, and the person may need help dressing and bathing. Agitation and violence may occur.

Severe Dementia: Patients need help with all daily tasks and may be unable to communicate. They may have swallowing and motor issues.

It's crucial to remember that not all dementia patients proceed through all four phases, and each stage's timeline might vary. The etiology, age, and health might also affect dementia progression.

Dementia has no cure, therefore therapy focuses on symptom management and quality of life. Dementia therapies vary by kind, severity, age, and health.

Common dementia treatments include:
  1. Meantime and cholinesterase inhibitors alleviate dementia symptoms. These drugs can boost memory, cognition, and lessen agitation and violence.
  2. Cognitive behavioral therapy and occupational therapy can help dementia patients. These techniques can boost mood, communication, and independence.
  3. Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and social involvement can assist dementia patients improve their health and quality of life.
  4. Support groups: Support groups help dementia patients and careers cope with the disease.
  5. Support for dementia caregivers: Counseling, respite, and condition education are examples.

The best dementia treatment depends on the patient. A medical practitioner can assist create a customized treatment plan.

Dementia kills?

Dementia increases death risk, especially as it advances. Dementia can cause serious health issues and even death.

Dementia increases death risk in several ways:
  • Dementia may increase infection risk due to impaired immune systems or other factors. Dementia patients are vulnerable to pneumonia, urinary tract, and sepsis.
  • Malnutrition and dehydration: Dementia can make eating and drinking difficult. These disorders can damage immune systems and cause health issues over time.
  • Falls and injuries: Dementia can impair balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and other injuries. Falls in older persons can cause fractures, head injuries, and other significant health issues.
  • Dementia might aggravate diabetic, cardiac, and respiratory illness symptoms. Certain conditions can raise mortality over time.
  • The chance of death depends on the degree and course of dementia, as well as other factors like age and health.
Avoid what foods?

Dementia patients can benefit from a balanced diet too. To promote brain health and overall well-being, certain foods should be avoided or limited.

Avoid or limit these foods for dementia patients:

Sugary and processed foods: Inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain can exacerbate cognitive impairment. Candy, cookies, pastries, and processed snacks are examples.

Tran's fats, present in fried, baked, and processed foods, have been related to cognitive deterioration.

High salt intake: High blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues can lead to cognitive impairment.

Alcohol: Excessive drinking can impair brain function and raise dementia risk. Modest alcohol use (one drink per day for women and two for men) may be safe, but dementia patients should consult a doctor before drinking.

Caffeine: Moderate caffeine use is harmless, but too much might disrupt sleep and cognitive function. Dementia patients should minimize coffee and avoid it before bed.

Dementia patients' diets depend on their health and surroundings. A doctor or dietician can help create a customized nutrition plan.

Avoiding dementia

Age, genetics, and other risk factors for dementia are uncontrollable. Modifiable risk factors can lower dementia risk. Preventive actions may postpone or prevent dementia.

Conclusion

Dementia impairs memory, reasoning, and behavior. It's a complicated issue that can affect an individual's quality of life and their family and careers. Dementia has no cure, but therapies can manage symptoms and enhance quality of life.

Maintaining a nutritious diet, being active, controlling stress, and protecting the brain from harm helps minimize the risk of dementia in addition to treatment. Not all dementia risk factors are changeable, and some people may still get the disorder despite prevention. Hence, early dementia diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Healthcare professionals can advise dementia patients and careers.


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