Dementia: Understanding its Complexities
The progressive condition of dementia affects memory, thought, behaviour, and ability to carry out daily activities. The condition is most commonly associated with ageing and is a major cause of dependency and disability among the elderly. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 50 million dementia cases worldwide. Nearly 10 million new ones occur each year. Understanding dementia and its treatments can be helpful in managing this difficult condition.
What is Dementia?
The term dementia is used collectively to refer to various cognitive symptoms, including forgetfulness. This is a progressive or chronic brain disorder that affects memory, reasoning, understanding, calculations, language and judgement. It is not normal for aging to affect older people, despite the fact that it is a common condition.
The Alzheimer's Association estimates that 5.8 millions Americans 65 years and older will have Alzheimer's disease in 2020. Nearly two thirds of Alzheimer's patients are female. The number of seniors with Alzheimer's may reach 13.8 millions by 2050.
Dementia: Common Causes
Dementia can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes of dementia:
- Alzheimer's Disease: It is responsible for between 60 and 80 percent of all cases of dementia.
- It is often caused by a stroke and accounts for 10% of all dementia cases.
- Lewy body dementia: A form of dementia that involves the accumulation of proteins in nerve cells and affects behavior, cognition, as well as physical function.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: This is caused by a progressive loss of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
Dementia Treatment Commons
The treatment of dementia is dependent on the cause. There is no cure for dementia, but there are ways to treat the symptoms. There are several treatments available.
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors: These medications are prescribed to treat Alzheimer's and boost levels of the chemical that communicates between cells in the brain.
- Memantine, also known as Namenda (Memantine), is a drug that works on another brain-cell communication network. It slows down the symptoms of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
- Antidepressants are used for depression, anxiety and dementia.
- Treatment of symptoms with medications: Medications may be prescribed for sleep disorders, agitation and hallucinations as well as other behavioral issues.
Experts' Opinions about Dementia
Early diagnosis is crucial for the effective management and treatment of dementia. Ronald Petersen is a Mayo Clinic neurologist who says, "An early and accurate diagnosis allows you and your loved ones to make plans for the future. You can plan your living arrangements and develop support networks. Medical therapies may help to maintain independence longer." Moreover, research on the causes and treatments of dementia continues to offer hope for further advancements.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
A healthy lifestyle can help prevent dementia. These are a few tips to help you:
- Consume a diet high in vegetables, fruits, low-fat milk, and lean proteins.
- Regular physical activity is important.
- Keep a healthy body weight.
- Limit alcohol and smoking.
- Maintain brain health by staying mentally and socially engaged.
Dementia can be a challenging and complex condition. It affects millions around the world. Understanding the causes and symptoms of dementia can be helpful in managing it effectively, even though there is no cure. There are treatments available that can alleviate the symptoms. Research is underway for more efficient therapies. A healthy lifestyle is a great way to prevent this disease. We continue to discover more about dementia and hope that we will eventually find a cure.
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