Recognizing Dementia
June 13, 2024 | General, Health & Wellness, Resources
Understanding the Signs and Taking Action for Brain Health
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease; it’s an overall term, like heart disease, that covers a wide range of specific medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. Disorders grouped under the general term “dementia” are caused by abnormal brain changes. These changes trigger a decline in cognitive abilities, severe enough to impair daily life and independent function. Currently, about 6.7 million Americans 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia; that number is expected to jump as high as 13.8 million by 2060.
Dementia does more than affect those diagnosed—it impacts families and communities. Caregivers may feel overwhelming stress and financial strain, communities lose the contributions of members who are affected, and healthcare systems are often stretched to meet the demands of this increasing challenge.
It’s crucial to understand the signs of dementia and know how they differ from normal aging. Forgetting where one placed the keys is common for anyone, but a person with dementia may struggle to remember the use of the key itself.
Here are a few signs to watch for:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life. This isn’t just forgetting names but forgetting recently learned information or important dates.
- Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers.
- Confusion with time or place. People with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time.
- Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia.
- New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation.
In contrast, normal age-related changes include making a bad decision once in a while, occasionally forgetting which word to use, or misplacing things (but knowing to retrace one’s steps to find them.
Everyone is at risk for dementia and other brain diseases, but there are actions to take which can mitigate the risk.
Here are some good ways to maintain brain health:
- Stay physically active. Regular physical activity can help lower the risk of some types of dementia. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Eat a balanced diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help protect the brain.
- Keep your mind active. Engage in activities that challenge your brain, like puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress can affect brain health, so practices like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can be beneficial.
- Regular check-ups. Routine visits to a healthcare provider can help monitor overall health and catch issues early.
At Kline Galland, our commitment to senior care includes specialized memory care services. Our structured and supervised environment not only respects each person’s autonomy, but actively encourages them to make choices while preserving their independence and dignity. During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we are especially dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
We know it takes a community to ensure the well-being of all our loved ones.
###
Sources: NIH; Alzheimer Association; NIA; CDC
