Dementia: What is important to know?
In today’s rapidly changing world, clarity of mind and a good memory are more valuable than ever. However, as people grow older, some may face a very serious problem: dementia. It is important to understand that this is not simply “ordinary forgetfulness that comes with age,” but a serious syndrome that requires special attention and support.
Dementia is not the name of a specific disease, but a general term describing a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in cognitive function. It affects a person’s memory, thinking, orientation, understanding, calculation, learning ability, speech, and judgment.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for 60–70 percent of cases. There are also other forms, such as vascular dementia, which may develop after strokes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 55 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia. Approximately 10 million new cases are recorded each year.
Another alarming fact is the future projection. Due to the overall aging of the population, this number may rise to 78 million by 2030 and to 139 million by 2050.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS: 10 SIGNS TO PAY ATTENTION TO
The most important step in dealing with dementia is early detection. Often, the first signs are dismissed as fatigue, stress, or simply “old age.” However, it is essential to distinguish between normal age-related changes and warning symptoms.
Pay special attention if the following signs are observed:
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Frequently forgetting recent events or important information, asking the same question over and over again, constantly relying on notes.
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Being unable to manage a budget that one has handled all one’s life, being unable to follow a familiar recipe, difficulty concentrating on tasks.
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Getting lost on familiar routes, forgetting how to use a microwave that has been used for years, or forgetting the rules of a favorite game.
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Confusion about time — inability to distinguish the day, month, or season; not understanding how one arrived at a certain place.
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Difficulty reading, judging distance, or distinguishing colors. This may not simply be a vision problem, but a disorder in the brain’s ability to process information.
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Stopping in the middle of a conversation and being unable to continue; confusing words (for example, saying “that thing for cleaning teeth” instead of “toothbrush”).
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Finding keys in the refrigerator or a wallet in a pot; being unable to remember where lost items were placed, and even blaming others.
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Making unreasonable financial decisions, such as giving large sums of money to strangers, or neglecting personal hygiene.
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Giving up favorite activities, losing the desire to meet friends or family, apathy, sitting for hours in front of the television.
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Becoming suspicious, confused, depressed, or anxious; becoming irritated or frightened quickly in unfamiliar surroundings.
If you notice such signs in yourself or a loved one, they should not be ignored. In such cases, it is important to consult a neurologist.
CAN THE RISK BE REDUCED?
It is true that age and genetics play a role. However, the risk of developing dementia can be reduced by changing one’s lifestyle.
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Physical activity: regular movement is highly beneficial for the brain. Dancing is also an excellent form of exercise.
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A healthy and varied diet: a diet rich in vegetables, fish, and olive oil has shown positive results.
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Intellectual and social activity: reading books, memorizing poems, learning a new language, solving crossword puzzles, and communicating with loved ones. Playing musical instruments is also especially beneficial for memory development.
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Health monitoring: regularly checking blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
DEMENTIA IS ALSO A TEST FOR THE FAMILY
This is not only the patient’s struggle, but the shared challenge of the whole family. Understanding, patience, and timely medical assistance are extremely important. Support is essential so that a person with dementia can live this stage of life with the best possible quality of life.
The number of people living with dementia is increasing every year. This shows the need not only to assess the current situation, but also to make forecasts about its future spread. This is critically important for planning the healthcare system, allocating human and financial resources, and making evidence-based government decisions.
Gulsana Musagaliyeva
Department of Policy and Healthcare Organization
