Dementia It is a common condition that affects more than 55 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, and triggers a change in cognitive functions such as memory and thinking. The disorder can seriously affect a person’s daily routine and disrupt life to the point of needing a caregiver. Knowing the signs of dementia is vital to detecting the condition early and taking preventive measures quickly in an effort to slow its progression. However, it’s easy to ignore the symptoms and eat this, not that. Salud spoke with experts who share what you need to know about dementia and the signs that indicate you might have it. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Vanessa P. Lewis, M.D., Conviva Care Centers tells us: “It can be easy to miss the signs of early mild dementia because there is a misconception that the normal aging process includes memory loss and a decline in cognitive function. Normal aging can affect the speed and the brain’s attention, however, the changes in dementia are more severe.
Dr. Lewis says: “Dementia or major neurocognitive disorder is not a normal part of the aging process. There are also different types of dementia, not all dementias are Alzheimer’s dementia. If you are concerned about your brain health, it is important to see your primary care doctor for a rapid screening test.
Verna Goalkeeper, MD, Neurologist and Director of Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and Neurocognitive Disorders at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, tells us, “Normal age-related changes in memory are very different from dementia. The main difference between age-related memory loss and dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease) is that in normal aging forgetting does not interfere with your ability to continue normal daily activities In other words, memory lapses have little impact on your daily life or your ability to carry on the usual chores, tasks, and routines that make up our daily lives.In contrast, dementia is characterized by a marked, persistent, and disabling decline in two or more intellectual abilities, such as memory, language, judgment, or abstract reasoning, that significantly interfere with and disrupt your normal daily activities Fu Typically, patients with mild AD will require assistance in completing tasks such as managing finances, traveling, planning ing, parties, etc. It is the performance of these instrumental activities of daily living that is most affected in the mild stages of the disease. Driving may also be affected, and it is important to formally access driving ability early, as visuospatial/visuoperceptive declines and difficulties with reaction speed may begin to manifest relatively early in the disease. Memory loss is moderate, especially for recent events, and interferes with daily activities. People have moderate difficulty solving problems, cannot function independently in community affairs, and have difficulty performing some daily activities and hobbies, especially complex ones.”
According to Dr. Lewis, “Lifestyle changes that can help prevent dementia are similar to heart disease. You should make sure you eat a heart-healthy diet (low fat), physical activity (150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity), smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, and having well-controlled conditions such as type 2 DM and high blood pressure Research shows that good nutrition, physical activity, and mental and social engagement can provide benefits in dementia prevention.
Dr Lewis says: “If you are concerned that you or a loved one has dementia or changes in their cognition, see your primary care doctor and he or she can perform a 5-minute rapid screening to see if you need further evaluation.” for dementia.”
Dr. Lewis states: “For example, your loved one usually goes for a walk in the morning, but recently they’re having a hard time finding their way home. This is easy to overlook because sometimes we dismiss memory lapses as aging.” normal”.
“Asking the same question repeatedly over short periods of time” may indicate dementia, says Dr. Lewis.
Dr. Lewis shares: “Perhaps your loved one used to love going out and socializing and now likes to stay home mostly. Again, sometimes we may think our loved one is feeling down or depressed. That could be the case, but again it’s important that dementia is not overlooked.”
heather newgen
Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing on health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently works as a freelancer for various publications. Read more about Heather
