Dealing with dementia. What is it? How can you cope? How can you avoid it?
Dementia
What is dementia? Dementia is the breakdown of mental functioning. It affects memory, concentration, and judgement. It typically affects people who are 65 or older, or people who have had some sort of brain injury. Although dementia is seen in older people it is not a common occurrence. Dementia is caused by brain cells breaking down. Dementia tends to occur slowly and gradually.
Symptoms of dementia begin with simple memory loss. Eventually you will start forgetting more and more. Other symptoms are mood swings, behavioral problems, poor hygiene, insomnia, and incapability of decision making. Dementia also comes with the added strain of depression and delirium. It makes it hard for all parties involved to deal with it.
The first step to coping with dementia is knowledge; learn about it. Read up on it. There are also support and care groups for people dealing with dementia, or if you are a caregiver of someone with dementia, there are groups for you too. If you want to avoid the early onset of dementia, maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat right and get plenty of exercise. Try to maintain a healthy blood pressure and cholesterol count. Of course, avoid smoking, drug use and over-indulging in alcohol. If you take care of your body it will take care of you in the long run.
Source: Alzheimers Reading Room
Photo ℅: Medical News Today