Is your loved one forgetting everything too? Let's talk about dementia!

Have you ever noticed that your mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa forgets things as they get older? Sometimes it's normal to forget where your keys are, someone's name, or what you were going to do. While we may think that this is "just how we get older," sometimes if this forgetfulness becomes so severe that it makes it difficult to carry out everyday tasks, it could be the beginning of a condition called dementia. Don't worry, we'll talk about this in a simple way today, so you can understand.

What exactly is Dementia?

Simply put, dementia is not a single disease. It is a collection of symptoms. It is caused by damage to our brain cells, which gradually weakens our ability to think, remember, reason, and use language. This condition can affect us to the point where we can no longer perform daily tasks on our own.

Think of dementia as a big umbrella. There are many different types of diseases under that umbrella. The most important and the one that most people have heard of is Alzheimer's disease . 70%-80% of people with dementia have dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease. However, there are about 50 other diseases that cause dementia besides Alzheimer's.

Don't confuse dementia with delirium.

Sometimes you may see an elderly person suddenly become agitated and act as if they are losing their mind. We call this delirium. This is very different from dementia.

• Delirium: This is a condition that comes on suddenly over a day or two . It can be caused by infections, certain medications, or after surgery. It can often be treated and completely cured .
• Dementia: This is a condition that develops slowly over months or years . It is usually difficult to reverse.

Is dementia just a normal part of aging?

This is a problem that many people have. It's normal to forget small things as we age. But dementia is something different. Let's understand this difference clearly.

What are the causes of dementia?

Dementia is caused by damage to the nerve cells (neurons) in our brains and the loss of communication between them. Symptoms vary depending on where in the brain this damage occurs.

The main reasons are:

• Alzheimer's disease: In this disease, unwanted proteins (amyloid plaques) accumulate between brain cells and another type of protein (tau tangles) gets tangled inside the cells. This causes the cells to die.
• Vascular Dementia: A condition caused by damage to the blood vessels that carry blood to the brain. It can be caused by conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and stroke.
• Lewy body dementia (LBD): This condition is caused by the formation of abnormal protein clumps called Lewy bodies inside brain cells.
• Frontotemporal dementia (FTD): Caused by damage to cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, it can cause significant changes in behavior and personality.
• Severe head injuries: Severe head injuries caused by accidents can also cause dementia in the long term.

In addition , treatable causes such as vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid hormone problems, and some infections can also cause dementia-like symptoms. Therefore, it is very important to see a doctor as soon as you experience memory problems to find the exact cause.

What are the risk factors? - Things we should be aware of

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing dementia:

• Age: The risk gradually increases after the age of 65.
• Family history: If someone in your family (mother, father, siblings) has had dementia, you are also at slightly higher risk.
• Heart disease: Not controlling things like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise.
• Depression: Long-term stress and depression are also risk factors.
• Social isolation: Being alone without socializing and interacting with others is also not good for brain health.

How to recognize the symptoms of dementia?

In the early stages of dementia, symptoms may be subtle, but over time, they become more apparent.

• Short-term memory loss: Forgetting what was said a short time ago, asking the same question over and over again.
• Communication problems: Difficulty finding the right words when speaking, stumbling over what you are trying to say.
• Getting lost: Not being able to find your way on a well-trodden path, even in your own village.
• Difficulty performing routine tasks: Confusing the steps of simple tasks like making tea, cooking a meal, or paying a bill.
• Changes in personality and behavior: Becoming more angry, agitated, suspicious, or indifferent than before.
• Seeing or hearing strange things (Hallucinations): Saying you see or hear things that are not really there.
• Delusions: Strongly believing things that are not true (e.g. thinking that someone has stolen money).

What are the treatments for dementia?

Although many types of dementia cannot be completely cured, there are treatments that can control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

1. Medications:

• Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil, Rivastigmine): These work by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps with memory and thinking. They are often given for early and middle stages of Alzheimer's disease.
• Memantine: This helps control symptoms in the middle and severe stages of the disease.
• In addition, the doctor may also prescribe other medications to control behavioral problems (anxiety, depression).

2. Non-drug therapies:

• Occupational therapy: Teaches the patient and caregivers how to perform everyday tasks safely and easily.
• Preparing the environment: It is important to reduce unnecessary items in the home and create a simple, clutter-free environment. Keep items that could be dangerous to the patient (knives, matches) out of sight.
• A consistent routine: Creating a routine such as eating, bathing, and sleeping at the same time every day can reduce the patient's anxiety.

How to live with dementia? - Advice for patients and caregivers

Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be a shock for both the patient and their family. However, with the right support and planning, it is possible to live a good life.

To the patient:

• Stay active: Engage in physical exercise and brain-stimulating games (puzzles, chess).
• Stay social: Talk to friends and relatives.
• Eat healthy: Eat a balanced diet.
• Talk about your feelings: Share your feelings with someone you trust.

For Caregivers:

• Be patient: If they ask the same thing over and over again, listen patiently. Don't try to argue with them.
• Speak simply: Speak in short, simple sentences. Don't ask multiple questions at once.
• Take care of safety: Ensure their safety both inside and outside the home.
• Think about yourself too: Caring for someone with dementia can be mentally and physically demanding. So take time to relax and think about your health. Ask for help if you need it.

Dementia, Forgetfulness, Alzheimer's disease, Memory impairment, Elderly care, Brain diseases