Dementia Treatment
5–8%
Global population aged 60+ living with dementia (WHO estimate)
1 in 27
Indians currently living with dementia (approx. 8–9 million people)
60–70%
Patients show better quality of life when given early diagnosis, therapy, & family support
75–80%
Treatment Gap: Most dementia patients in India do not receive proper diagnosis or care
Introduction
Dementia refers to a set of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and social abilities. This disorder significantly disrupts daily life and makes functioning difficult. However, dementia is not a single disease and multiple conditions are responsible for it. Memory loss may appear early but does not always indicate dementia.
Dementia generally results from damaged or lost brain cells, with symptoms varying by affected areas. Categorisation of the ailment involves brain regions, protein deposits or other co-morbidities that have the same symptoms.
Read on to learn more about dementia symptoms, dementia treatment and the best treatment available
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a decline in thinking, strength of memory and reasoning. The disorder disrupts the daily life of a patient which causes emotional changes and shifts in personality. Dementia ranges from mild impairment to complete dependence in performing basic tasks. Though more common with age, getting dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Types of Dementia:
Primary Dementia
Primary dementia is caused by progressive and irreversible brain disorders like Alzheimer’s or Lewy body disease. Patients suffer from the disorder when nerve cells deteriorate leading to worsened memory and altered behavioural patterns.
Secondary Dementia
Secondary dementia occurs as a result of another medical condition like a stroke. Patients addicted to drugs or other substances are also more susceptible to Secondary Dementia.
Reversible Dementia
Reversible dementia arises from curable problems like vitamin deficiencies and thyroid problems. Certain times, side effects of certain medicines can also mimic symptoms of dementia. Symptoms can improve or fully resolve once the underlying cause is treated completely.
Causes of Dementia
Dementia is generally caused when brain cells are damaged and so are the tissues. The damage could be because of a lack of blood flow, loss of oxygen or other medical reasons. This interrupts communication which spoils the coordination between the mind and body.
The various regions of a brain are responsible for performing various functions. When cells of an area are damaged, functioning of the brain gets impaired. Therefore, each part of the brain stops functioning normally.
Dementia vs Alzheimer’s
Dementia refers to a group of cognitive, functional and behavioural symptoms. The cause is a progressive brain disease. For instance, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. However, other brain diseases like Lewy body disease, vascular disease and frontotemporal degeneration are also leading causes of dementia.
Therefore, as opposed to common notions of dementia, Alzheimer’s is not the same as dementia but one of the main causes of dementia.
Signs and Symptoms of Dementia
- Dementia occurs when previously healthy brain cells stop functioning. Certain times, healthy brain cells die a premature death which spoils the internal connections. This causes a greater neuron loss than normal ageing.
- Symptoms include memory decline and general confusion. Patients experience difficulty with language, repeat the same questions and have poor judgment.
- Patients lose interest in usual activities. Certain times, they start hallucinating and feel delusional. Patients act impulsively and have a reduced sense of empathy.
- Diagnosing dementia among patients with developmental disabilities is particularly difficult. Therapists, in such cases, have to monitor changes carefully.
Dementia Treatment and Care
Dementia symptoms can be very different for people. No two patients exhibit the same set symptoms as there. However, there are some very common symptoms that are mostly evident in maximum cases.
Here are 4 essential signs and symptoms exhibited by patients suffering from dementia:
1. Emotional and Behavioural Changes
Shifts in mood and behaviour can appear before any noticeable memory issues. Patients become more anxious, irritated and withdrawn as they struggle with these cognitive changes. Behavioural changes include opting for seclusion or seeking company at all times. Patients often feel frustrated or confused as performing routine tasks begins to feel more difficult.
2. Cognitive and Functional Signs
In the early stage of the ailment, patients forget the latest happening, misplace their personal items and lose their way in familiar places. Patients suffer from poor decision-making skills and are not able to follow conversations. They do not follow conversations properly and need more assistance with memory and reasoning.
3.Personality Shifts
Patients develop personality shifts that alter their behaviour in social settings. They display inappropriate behaviour and withdraw from social life. They exhibit a reduced interest in emotions and people around them. They are less emotionally available because of which affects their personal life.
4. Increased Care Needs
Patients suffering from dementia also suffer from physiological problems. Dementia progresses differently among patients depending on their overall physical health. Having no or poor control over bowel movements, shivering and shaking and exhibiting aggressive behaviour can force a patient to seek help from others for every minor routine task.
What Are The Treatments of Dementia?
Modern tools like advanced brain scans and biomarker tests have improved the diagnosis process. Once the diagnosis is done, therapists administer the following therapies depending on the condition of the patient:
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is a group-based activity. Therapists include cognitive exercises that strengthen the memory, language and problem-solving skills of a patient. Patients gain meaningful mental and social benefits that treat mild to moderate dementia.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation helps patients achieve personal goals. Patients can use stronger cognitive abilities to compensate for weaker ones in routine.
- Therapists design personalised daily plans and improve the communication and motor skills of patients. They recommend modifications and guide families to support independence.
- Experts create a supportive environment for patients. Patients are indulged in sensory activities like singing that enhance relaxation. They aim to engage a patient as much as possible.
How Can You Support The Recovery Of Dementia Patients?
- Encourage patients to follow a healthy routine. Patients must be encouraged to eat healthy and exercise regularly.
- Keeping the mind engaged at all times. Productive activities must be taken up by patients to keep their minds occupied. Mind games like SoDoKu and word games will keep the mind occupied and sharpen the brain of a patient.
- Building a strong support system of friends is essential. Patients must have a strong group of family members whom they can talk to and more.
- Emotional support is essential for patients. Encourage well-wishers of patients to be around them. Meeting everyone regularly can jog up a patient’s memory and allow him to stay active at all times.
Possible Ways to Prevent Dementia:
- Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for the human brain. Excessive fat and muscle loss in the body can cause problems. Not only does it restrict the movement of a person but it also has a negative impact on the personality.
- Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels maintains the flow of blood in the vessels. This helps control cognitive decline and supports long-term brain health. Not only does it prevent dementia, but keeping such parameters under control also helps a patient to avoid other illnesses.
- Staying physically active improves blood flow to the brain. This strengthens the heart and is beneficial for the overall health of the body. Patients who follow a healthy lifestyle yet fall prey to dementia progress slowly and are also able to recover to some extent. Their physical deterioration rate is also slow.
- Ensuring proper rest for the brain and maintaining a circadian rhythm is a must for the health of the brain. Consistent sleep schedules clear toxins from the body and store memories properly.
- Avoid alcohol and other addictive substances to reduce the risk of long-term memory impairment. Excessive consumption of alcohol damages nerves which increases the risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer’s and so on.
- Regular brain checks and diagnosis after suffering from a brain injury are a must. Sometimes, internal bleeding is not diagnosed on the first go. Regular follow-ups and timely reporting of symptoms like headaches are essential.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Experts Who Will Guide Your Recovery
Dr. Prashant Dasud
Designation: Consultant Psychiatrist
Experience: 15+
Illnesses:
SLD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Drug Addiction
Dr. Santosh Pawar
Designation: Consultant Psychiatrist
Experience: 15+
Illnesses:
SLD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Drug Addiction
Dr. Neha Shetty
Designation: Psychiatrist
Experience: 7+
Illnesses:
SLD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Dementia, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Drug Addiction
