Dementia is a catchall word for a group of diseases, despite common perception to the contrary.
It describes those who have problems with their memory, their ability to think, or their ability to carry out routine chores. The following article will cover some interesting and maybe new facts regarding dementia you might have not been aware of.
It’s More Than Simply Forgetfulness
Dementia sufferers in the early stages of the disease may repeatedly ask for the same details or forget what they have just been told. However, a person’s cognitive ability, linguistic abilities, worldview, emotional reactions, and behavioral patterns may also change as a result of dementia. Alterations in personality, such as increased agitation or irritation, are one of the many indications of dementia. Other symptoms include confusion and the need for help with routine tasks like grocery shopping and bill paying. The illness may be divided into early, medium, and late stages of dementia based on the patient’s age and the extent of cognitive decline. Mild memory loss and a decline in cognitive ability and social skills are common in the early stages of dementia; these symptoms increase in the middle stages; and in the late stages, the individual may be unable to eat, use the toilet, or move about without assistance.
What Causes it?
Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are caused by cell death in the brain. The inability of brain cells to interact with one another is a direct result of this injury. When communication between brain cells is disrupted, it may have negative effects on cognition, emotion, and motivation.
Damage to certain kinds of brain cells in specific brain areas is linked to various dementias. In Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, brain cells have a hard time staying healthy and communicating with one another because of the elevated quantities of particular proteins both inside and outside the cells. Brain cells in the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for learning and memory, are often the first to be injured. Because of this, memory loss often manifests itself as an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Can a Proper Diet Stop or Prevent it?
The Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, and other seafood, unsaturated fats, and minimal quantities of red meat and sweets, offers some positive findings. The Mediterranean diet may enhance particular nutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that may protect the brain. It may also suppress beta-amyloid deposits prevalent in Alzheimer’s patient’s brain or boost cellular metabolism in ways that guard against the disease.
According to one research, consuming a daily intake of leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale was linked with slower age-related cognitive decline, perhaps owing to the neuroprotective effects of specific minerals. Eating a diet that includes regular fish intake has also been linked to greater cognitive function.
Unfortunately, dementia affects over 60 million individuals every year all over the globe, and it has a lot of detrimental consequences for the quality of life. However, being aware of a few key facts about it and how to manage your health in order to avoid this kind of illness can make a world of difference in your life and guarantee that your golden years are filled with happiness and contentment.
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