Dementia: A Growing Problem Worldwide

Dementia generally affects older people, but it should not be considered a normal part of the aging process. According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are over 47 million people around the world living with Dementia, and this number is expected to grow to over 132 million by the year 2050. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are known as a double-prion disorder, and the disease is not limited by economic, social, or ethnic boundaries. The disease affects many areas of the mind, including memory, behavior, speech, thinking, and the simple ability to perform day to day activities. Alzheimer’s is the most kind of Dementia that is diagnosed, accounting for 65 to 75 percent of all new cases.

Is Dementia just about losing memory?

New research at the Alzheimer’s foundation also shows that people are often aware when their memory is declining and discount the phenomenon as a normal part of aging. Some people may recognize the subtle signs well before they are evident to others since typical memory lapses don’t affect their everyday life. When someone forgets where they put their house keys, it may be blamed on forgetfulness, but if someone forgets how to unlock doors, it may indeed be a more severe matter requiring professional intervention. It is possible to reverse somedementia-like symptoms, depending on the cause but the diagnosis of Dementia can be emotionally overwhelming for the family and individual. Patients diagnosed with Lewy body Dementia often require intensive around the clock care with full-time assistance as the condition deteriorates. Although there may not be a way to completely alleviate symptoms of Dementia, a healthy diet,maintaining regular sleep patterns, regular exercise, cognitive stimulation, and socialization can help people with Dementia retain a happy, healthy life for as long as possible.

What is the difference betwee Alzheimer’s and dementia?

Dementia is believed to arise from abnormalities in amyloid proteins. Experts have reviewed apolipoproteins while considering “Apo E,” which starts at one and expands to four. Nerve cells begin with neurons, yet it stretches to the Central Nervous System. CNS is the root of the cerebral channel, which makes up the spinal cord and four lobes, including the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe. The lobes in the brain are where we get our personality, intellectual actions, speech, senses, space, and the ability to see, hear, taste, communicate, and smell. The lobes work in conjunction with the diencephalons section of the brain. Diencephalons sit in the center cavity of the brain, just on top of the brain stem. Diencephalons help makes up the brain thalamus, and hypothalamus. Thalamus pairs and shapes like an egg forming “masses of gray matter” that lie below “each cerebral hemisphere” within the brain. Thalamus conveys sensory (Sensations) stimulus of temperature, pain, and feel to the outer layers of the body, such as the kidney, brain, cortex, etc. Hypothalamus is also a section of the central brain that rests at the underside. The brain section controls automatic functions, i.e., respiration, temperature, emotional states, and blood pressure.

How do I reduce my risk of developing Alzheimer’s?

Diencephalons are the central cavity of the brain that rests at the stem. Diencephalons makes up our nerve fibers, which are whitish strands that sit at the outer layers of the brainstem (pons Varolii) and amid the lower section of the brain (Medulla oblongata) Medulla connects to the vertebrates, which stretches to the spinal cord. The purpose of Medulla is to control involuntary vital actions, including the lung and heart. For patients diagnosed with the condition the stigmatization of often difficult to accept, and the less we talk about Dementia, the more the stigma will grow. During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we encourage you and your family to do your part in helping to reduce the shame and disgrace of Dementia and help to improve the people with Dementia and their caretakers in the community.