ڈیمینشیا کا لفظ دماغ پر اثرانداز ہونے والے بہت سے امراض کے لیے ایک مجموعی اصطلاح کے طور پر استعمال کیا جاتا ہے۔ ڈیمینشیا کی ابتدا ہر فرد میں مختلف طریقے سے ہو سکتی ہے۔ ڈیمیشیا کا شکار ہونے والے اکثر افراد کی یادداشت متاثر ہوتی ہے۔ یادداشت کی یہ کمی متاثرہ فرد کی ذندگی کے تمام پہلوئوں کو متاثر کرتی ہے۔ یادداشت میں تبدیلیوں کے ساتھ ساتھ رویے اور مزاج کی تبدیلیاں بھی ڈیمینشیا سے متاثرہ افراد میں سامنے آتی ہیں۔ ڈیمینشیا کی سب سے عام صورت الزائمر ڈیزیزہے۔
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Dementia is not a solo disease. It is a group of symptoms that affects thinking, memory, and social abilities. Dementia interferes with the everyday activities of a person to behave, think, and respond. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia.
It mostly occurs in old age but it doesn’t mean aging leads to dementia. The disease’s severity varies from person to person. It is mild in some people but in others, it compromises basic life activities.
Dementia most commonly affects the memory and involves memory loss. Memory loss is one of the most common and early symptoms of the onset of disease. But memory loss doesn’t mean that you’ve dementia.
As per research conducted in 2023, it was concluded that the prevalence of dementia in Pakistan is ~150,000–200,000.
To perform the diagnosis of dementia, the doctors assess whether the person has any underlying condition or not. Moreover, the doctor also prescribes some tests to diagnose the disease. Some common tests that are performed to diagnose dementia are as follows:
Blood Tests
Blood tests are used to rule out other medical conditions and diseases such as Vitamin B deficiency, inflammation, underactive thyroid, infection, etc.
Brain Scans
Brain scans and imaging are performed to identify any tumors, strokes, etc, that can cause dementia. Moreover, brain scans can also diagnose changes in the functioning and structure of the brain. The most common scans are Computed Tomography (CT), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Genetic Tests
Some types of dementia can be due to the genes of a person. In this case, the doctor might prescribe genetic tests to know whether the person has any family history of dementia or not.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Tests
CSF is a clear fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain and provides insulation and protection. The doctors collect CSF by performing lumbar punctures to measure the level of proteins that can help in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's or other types related to dementia.
Psychiatric Evaluation
If someone is experiencing any sort of mental issues, then a psychiatric evaluation is performed to diagnose the underlying cause. In some cases, a questionnaire is prepared for the patient to evaluate thinking, processing, and reasoning abilities.
Foremost, it is essential to understand the terms “reversible”, “treatable”, and “curable”. Treatments can cure all forms of dementia but many types of dementia are not reversible or curable. On the other hand, it is possible to reverse some forms of dementia successfully.
Medications
Many medications that treat Alzheimer’s Disease also treat dementia symptoms. However, it is preferable to use the medicines that a professional dementia specialist prescribes. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the most commonly used medicines to slow down the disease progression.
Therapies
Medicines are only a part of treating the symptoms of dementia. Apart from medicines, healthcare providers perform many therapies to enhance the mental capability of the patient. They perform therapies like Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), Cognitive rehabilitation, etc to help people with dementia.
Lifestyle Modifications
Dementia problems, symptoms, and behavioral problems can get worse over time. Therefore, it is necessary to do lifestyle modifications as well. Patients of dementia should exercise regularly, practice yoga, or engage themselves in any physical activity.
Home Remedies
Apart from medications, therapies, and lifestyle modifications, certain home remedies can also benefit the patients. Certain oils such as ginkgo biloba, curcumin, or coconut oil can also prove effective in calming down the nerves of patients.
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Symptoms of dementia depend on the underlying cause of the onset of the disease. But some of the common dementia symptoms are as follows:
Memory Loss and Confusion
Problem in Finding Words to Communicate
Difficulty in Speaking and Writing
Misplacing the Commonly Used Items
Reasoning and Problem-Solving Issues
Hallucinations
Behavioural and Personality Changes
Changes in Sleeping Patterns
Depression
Poor Control of Movements
Finding it Difficult to Perform Daily Tasks
Dementia is commonly caused by damage to the brain. It affects the nerve cells of the brain which destroy the ability of the brain to communicate. It can also result in the blockage of blood flow to the brain. Due to a lack of nutrients and oxygen, the brain tissue dies causing this medical condition.
Some of the main causes of dementia are as follows:
Degenerative Neurological Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease
Brain Tumor Or Injury
Vitamin B Complex And Vitamin E Deficiency
Certain Infections Like HIV, UTI, or Syphilis May Impart Symptoms Similar To Dementia
Vascular Disorders
Certain Metabolic Endocrine Disease
Certain Medicines Like Antianxiety And Antidepressants May Impart Dementia-Like Symptoms
Excessive Use Of Alcohol
Depression
Some Brain Infections
Many researchers have suggested numerous risk factors that can contribute in causing dementia. Some of the risk factors of dementia are as follows:
Age: One of the most contributing risk factors for dementia is old age ( >65 years).
High Blood Pressure: People who have consistent high blood pressure in the age of 45-65 years are more prone to dementia.
Genetic Factors: If the family history indicates dementia in close relatives, the risk of developing the disease increases.
Depression: Certain mental disorders like depression in mid or later life may contribute to the development of dementia.
Brain Injury: Severe traumatic head injuries can increase the risk of the disease if occur continuously.
Stroke: Brain shock or stress contributes to an increased risk of developing dementia.
Brain infections such as meningitis: Bacterial infections affecting the brain may result in developing dementia.
Diabetes: Certain chronic health conditions such as diabetes increase the chance of developing neurodegenerative disorders.
Lack of Physical Activities: Lack of physical activities can cause dementia in late age (age 65 to up).
Smoking: The ratio of dementia is higher in smokers as compared to the nonsmokers.
Heart Health Issues: Certain conditions associated with heart, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels may increase the risk of developing the disease.
The exact cause of dementia is still unknown; therefore, it is hard to prevent dementia. But there are some preventive measures a person can take to avoid getting dementia. Some of them are as follows:
Avoid Smoking
Exercise Regularly
Engage in Physical and Mental Activities to Keep the Brain Healthy
Eat a Balanced and Healthy Diet
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Manage Health Conditions like Heart Problems, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, etc
Engage Yourself in Community Activities or Support Groups
Avoid Anxiety and Depression
There are three major types of dementia. They are:
Primary Dementia
The diseases or conditions in which dementia itself is the main illness. Alzheimer’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Mixed dementia, etc, are some commonly known primary dementia types.
Secondary Dementia
The type of dementia that occurs due to other diseases or underlying medical conditions is known as secondary dementia. Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Traumatic Brain Injury, etc are some common types of secondary dementia.
Reversible-Dementia Like Symptoms
Some medical conditions can cause dementia-like symptoms but they are reversible. Vitamin deficiency, Infections, Endocrine conditions, Metabolic conditions, and Brain tumors, can cause reversible dementia-like symptoms.