Early Signs of Dementia, Its Treatment and Life Beyond!

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Have you ever entered a room and suddenly forgotten why you came in? Or misplaced your phone, only to find it in the most obvious spot?

Everyone forgets things occasionally, and that's perfectly normal. But it can be difficult if forgetfulness becomes a daily thing, like forgetting names, places, or even the faces of loved ones. That's what living with dementia can feel. It doesn't just affect memory; it affects how someone thinks, speaks,lives, and it's more common than you think.

According to the WHO, nearly 10 million new cases of dementia are diagnosed worldwide each year. It remains the seventh leading cause of death and one of the main reasons for disability and dependency among older people around the globe. So, let's take a moment to understand what dementia is, its causes, potential complications, and the treatments available that can help you or your loved ones manage this brain condition.

What is Dementia? More Than Just Forgetfulness!

Dementia is a broad term for a severe loss of thinking ability that interferes with daily life. Thinking abilities include memory, language skills, problem-solving, visual perception, self-management, and focusing and paying attention. The disease often worsens over time. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. It is frequently incorrectly called "senility" or "senile dementia," reflecting the outdated belief that mental decline is a regular part of ageing.

Dementia is a syndrome that often arises from abnormal protein accumulation in the brain, which affects nerve cells and often results in a decline in cognitive functions, like the ability to think clearly. Several factors can increase the chance of developing dementia, including:

• age (more common in those 65 or older) 
• being socially isolated
• being overweight or obese
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• being physically inactive
• high blood sugar (diabetes)
• drinking too much alcohol
• smoking
• depression

Understand The Main Types of Dementia

Progressive dementias are characterised by a continual decline in cognitive function over time. The types of dementias that tend to worsen and are irreversible include:

• Alzheimer's disease: This is the most common form of dementia, gradually impacting a person's memory, thinking skills, and behaviour over time.
• Vascular dementia: This type of dementia results from damage to the brain's blood vessels. Common symptoms include difficulty solving problems, slowed thinking, and trouble focusing.
• Lewy body dementia: Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)  is a common type of dementia caused by Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein clumps in nerve cells. It leads to memory issues and physical symptoms like shaking and hallucinations.
• Frontotemporal dementia: This brain disease involves the gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes, mainly affecting behaviour and personality before memory.

What are the Causes of Dementia?

Dementia happens when brain cells get damaged. It affects how the brain functions and communicates. Some of the most common causes of dementia may include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Stroke or Poor blood flow
• Short-term memory
• Severe Head Injury
• Infections 
• Lifestyle Factors

Early Signs of Dementia to Watch Out For!

Dementia affects each individual uniquely. Signs and symptoms emerge when neurons, the tiny nerve cells in the brain, stop functioning properly, lose their connections, and eventually become damaged. Some of the symptoms and signs of dementia in women may include:

• Amnesia, poor judgment and confusion.
• Taking longer to complete routine daily tasks.
• Difficulty solving problems or making decisions.
• Problems following conversations or trouble finding words.
• Feeling anxious, sad, or angry about memory loss
• Personality changes.
• Your ability to remember and make decisions further diminishes.
• Changes in sleeping patterns.
• Trouble with visual and spatial abilities, like getting lost while driving.
• Being less interested in other people’s emotions.

Complications of Dementia: It Doesn't Stop at Memory Loss

Dementia complications encompass behavioural and psychological symptoms. Since dementia can impact multiple body systems, it may lead to various additional complications:

• Memory loss is the most common complication, often associated with dementia-related psychosis.
• Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in people with frontotemporal dementia.
• Dementia patients may fall and suffer fractures.
• Hallucinations are false perceptions of objects or events involving the senses.
• Delusions are one or more firmly held false beliefs lasting at least a month.
• People with dementia may struggle with daily self-care tasks.
• Dementia may cause depression in some people.
• People feel confused and frustrated.
• Sleeplessness occurs in people with dementia.

Dementia Treatment: Steps That Make a Difference

While there is no cure for most types of dementia currently, caring for affected individuals requires a compassionate approach focused on symptom management and improving their quality of life. This typically includes a mix of medications, therapy sessions, and gentle lifestyle changes. Here are some of the ways we can help treat dementia:

Medications

Certain medications can reduce or slow the symptoms of memory loss, particularly during the initial stages. Some medications used for dementia may include:

• Donepezil
• Rivastigmine
• Galantamine
• Memantine and more.

Therapies

• Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): This therapy includes group activities designed to enhance cognitive skills and memory in individuals with dementia.
• Talking Therapies: This therapy can be a supportive way for individuals to better cope with their diagnosis and effectively manage symptoms of depression or anxiety.
• Reminiscence Therapy: It involves sharing past events and experiences to help evoke memories and lift your spirits.

Lifestyle Changes

Here are some lifestyle changes that can help you manage dementia:

• Stay physically active through regular exercise.
• Participate in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, games, and exploring new topics.
• Maintain a balanced diet and a healthy weight.
• Remain socially active by staying connected with family and friends.
• Maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels to support your overall well-being.
• Take care of hearing problems.
• Try to enjoy alcohol in moderation.

Pro Tip: Dementia is more than just a one-time diagnosis; it's a journey that may last for years, often accompanied by increasing medical needs, emotional challenges, and caregiving demands. For families, this path can be emotionally and financially exhausting. That's why being well-prepared truly makes a difference. Having the best Senior Citizen Insurance Plan can help lighten the load, allowing you to focus more on caring for loved ones and less on worrying.

Let's Bust Some Myths About Dementia

Some common myths about dementia are: 

When Memory Fades, Love Remains!

Dementia can be an intimidating topic, but it doesn't mean life has to pause. There are different types of dementia, each with its possible causes. Getting an early diagnosis is a helpful step towards receiving the appropriate treatment, therapies, and support to maintain a good quality of life. Remember that happiness and fulfilment are still within reach even after a diagnosis. You can find joy and purpose in your journey with the loving support of caring healthcare professionals, friends, and family. Secure the care you deserve and plan for life's unexpected turns while having reliable medical Insurance. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. Health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. See policy documents for details.