Nellore: Age and a strong family history of dementia are the only major link to dementia.
Excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and being overweight are the risk factors for heart diseases, high blood pressure and diabetes and also seem to increase the risk of contracting dementia.
Noted neurologist Dr Bindu Menon dwelt at length on dementia in the backdrop of September 2017 marked as the sixth global ‘World Alzheimer's Month.’ She said, “World Alzheimer's Day is on September 21 each year and this month will utilise the theme of 'Remember me', to highlight the importance of early detection and diagnosis of dementia.
According to Dr Bindu, dementia is a collective name for progressive brain syndromes, which affect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. Dementia is the leading cause of disability and dependency among the elderly.
Although each person will experience dementia in their own way, eventually those affected are unable to take care of themselves and need help with all aspects of daily life.
But people who keep their brains active may be at lesser risk of developing dementia. Reading, engaging in a hobby such as playing bridge or chess, or doing crosswords and word puzzles may help to reduce the risk.
Dementia affects almost 50 million people worldwide, with a new case occurring in the world every three seconds. Dementia can also affect individuals under the age of 65 (young onset dementia).
Greater awareness and understanding of dementia is important to challenge the myths and misconceptions that surround the condition.
There are currently no cure for most types of dementia, but treatment and support are available. There is no single test to diagnose dementia. A reasonably accurate diagnosis of dementia can be made by taking a careful history of the person's problem from a close relative or friend.
