About Dementia :

A new Lancet Commission report has flagged it along with untreated vision loss as significant new risk factors for dementia, a condition characterised by memory problems and disruptions in thinking and social skills. Its most prevalent form is Alzheimer’s Disease, which accounts for about 60-70 per cent of dementia cases.

In fact, both these factors have been found to be a trigger for nine per cent of all dementia cases. Seven per cent of cases can be linked to high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as bad cholesterol, which develops midlife around age 40. Two per cent of dementia cases are linked to untreated vision loss in later life.

About Dementia :

It is a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. It encompasses a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment, including memory loss, language problems, and impaired problem-solving abilities. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions.

Common Symptoms of Dementia:

1. Memory Loss: Frequently forgetting recent events, names, and appointments.
2. Difficulty with Communication: Struggling to find the right words or follow conversations.
3. Impaired Reasoning and Judgment: Poor decision-making and difficulty with problem-solving.
4. Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places or not knowing the date or time.
5. Changes in Mood and Behavior: Increased anxiety, depression, or agitation.
6. Difficulty with Coordination and Motor Functions: Problems with balance and movement.

Types of Dementia:

1. Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common form, characterized by plaques and tangles in the brain.
2. Vascular Dementia: Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after a stroke.
3. Lewy Body Dementia: Marked by abnormal protein deposits in the brain.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia: Involves degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
5. Mixed Dementia: A combination of two or more types of dementia.

Causes:

• Neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease.
• Vascular conditions: Stroke, high blood pressure.
• Infections: HIV, syphilis.
• Chronic substance abuse: Alcohol or drugs.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, neurological tests, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans. Neuropsychological tests may also be used to assess cognitive function.

Treatment:

While there is no cure for most types of dementia, treatments can help manage symptoms. Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors (for Alzheimer’s) and other drugs to manage symptoms like depression and agitation can be prescribed. Non-drug therapies, such as cognitive stimulation and behavioral therapy, can also be beneficial.