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Dementia Causes and Symptoms: With increasing age, many changes occur in the human brain. Sometimes it becomes difficult to remember small things, which is very troublesome in daily life. About 7-8% of elderly people above 60 years of age in the country have dementia.

There are lakhs of elderly people like Bashir Badr, who have to struggle with this disease. As the elderly population is increasing in India, taking care of dementia patients is becoming a burden on families. The family needs emotional and financial support.

What is Dementia?

Dementia does not mean any one symptom or method but it is a word that describes a whole group of symptoms. These affect the way our brain works, such as memory, reasoning and communication skills. Dementia is not a single disease, but a group of problems caused by different conditions that affect the brain. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, accounting for 60–80% of cases.

Types of Dementia

• vascular dementia,
• lewy body dementia,
• frontotemporal dementia and
• Mixed dementia.

Reason Of Dementia

• high blood pressure
• obesity
• lack of physical activity
• Alcohol and smoking.

Symptoms of Dementia

You will be surprised to know that the initial symptoms of this disease do not include loss of memory but loss of smell, that is, the part of the brain that processes smell is destroyed first.

• Memory loss – Usually, this is the first and most noticeable symptom. The person may forget recent conversations, names, and events, but long-term memory may persist.
• Disorientation- In this, one often does not pay attention to the date, season and passage of time.
• Difficulty in even daily tasks – cooking or even small daily financial management becomes challenging for dementia patients.
• Language problems – It can be difficult to find the right words, understand conversations and understand language.
• Changes in mood and behavior—depression, apathy, social isolation, and personality changes are common.

Treatment of Dementia

There is no cure for dementia yet, but according to experts, its effects can be reduced by making changes in your lifestyle. The effects of this disease can be reduced by daily physical exercise, nutritious food, keeping blood pressure and sugar under control and maintaining distance from alcohol and smoking. This disease can also be avoided by keeping your brain healthy.

Keep your brain health healthy like this

• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 works to supercharge the nerves and brain. It helps in the production of neurotransmitters and red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause memory loss, fatigue and depression. If Vitamin B12 deficiency persists for a long time, the risk of dementia and stroke increases.

If you are non-vegetarian, then this deficiency can be fulfilled by fish, meat, eggs etc. and if you are vegetarian, then you can take dairy products, fortified cereals, nutritional yeast and supplements etc.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Omega 3)

Omega-3 is a healthy fat, which enhances brain functioning. It also boosts brain functions and reduces inflammation. Its deficiency can increase the risk of brain fog, memory problems and stroke. DHA is a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential for brain health.

Non-vegetarians can eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines, while vegetarians can use flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and flaxseed oil.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D is beneficial for our entire body, but it also helps in brain development and neuroprotection. According to research, 80% people in India are suffering from Vitamin D deficiency.

To overcome the deficiency of Vitamin D, one can take 15-20 minutes of morning sunlight daily and can also overcome the deficiency of Vitamin D by taking fortified milk, mushroom and egg yolk etc.

• Magnesium

Magnesium supports not only the brain but more than 300 body functions. Its deficiency can increase the risk of migraine, stress and dementia. It also helps in controlling blood pressure. To compensate for its deficiency, spinach, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds and whole grains should be consumed.

• Iron

Iron deficiency increases the risk of fatigue, lack of focus and stroke. Iron deficiency is mostly seen in women. Non-veg eaters can compensate for its deficiency with the help of red meat and chicken etc. At the same time, vegetarian people can eat spinach, lentils, beans and fortified cereals.