Dementia is caused by the decline in brain function, resulting in slower performance in thinking, calculating, problem-solving, decision-making, as well as daily living activities. Dementia symptoms may be caused by Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral vascular occlusion, or other factors.
Dementia symptoms are commonly found in elderly people aged 65 and above, especially those over 85 years old, as aging leads to brain degeneration. Additionally, people with high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, regular alcohol consumption, or smoking can also develop dementia.
What causes dementia?
The causes of dementia come from multiple factors including hormonal abnormalities such as vitamin deficiencies, exposure to toxins that damage brain cells preventing normal function, infections like syphilis or prion diseases such as CJD which are chronic, and cerebral vascular occlusion which can cause brain cell death.
Repetitive speech, inability to speak, inability to solve problems
Early symptoms in patients start with short-term memory loss such as forgetting what was just said, asking the same questions repeatedly, and repeating topics already discussed. Then, they begin to have difficulty speaking, understanding others, and writing correctly. In severe cases, they cannot solve problems and lose short-term memory such as forgetting the way home or their current location. Some patients in advanced stages cannot take care of themselves at all.
No cure but preventable
Dementia is divided into 2 types
- Vitamin deficiency, hormonal deficiency, infections like syphilis, or brain tumors. These conditions can be completely cured with medication, vitamins, or surgery.
- Dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Currently, there is no medication that can cure it completely, but treatment can prevent progression, delay disease onset, and help stabilize symptoms.
How to stay away from dementia
As we age, brain cells naturally degenerate over time. Increased stress is also a factor leading to various diseases. Engage in relaxing activities such as exercising, listening to music, or playing puzzle games. These not only help relaxation but also stimulate brain cells and slow degeneration. For those who find daily life complicated, using notebooks or devices to record and remind can help memory.
Eating foods like ginkgo leaves, rice bran, brown rice, egg yolks, and green leafy vegetables can help improve memory, nourish brain cells, and produce neurotransmitters. Avoid foods that are too salty or high in fat to prevent high blood cholesterol and vascular occlusion.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jirapat Ukachok
Head of Brain and Nervous System Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
