The early signs of dementia may not be immediately obvious. Symptoms typically involve memory loss, but memory loss alone does not necessarily mean you have dementia. Memory loss can have many causes, with Alzheimer’s disease being the most common cause of dementia in older adults. However, there are other causes of dementia. Some dementia symptoms are reversible, depending on the cause and vary from person to person.
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells. This damage interferes with the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other. When brain cells can’t communicate properly, thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are affected.
The brain has many different parts, each responsible for different functions (such as memory, decision-making, and movement) ufabet https://ufabet999.app. When cells in one area are damaged, that area cannot function properly.
The different types of dementia depend on the area of the brain that has been damaged. For example, in Alzheimer’s disease, there are high levels of certain proteins both inside and outside brain cells, making it difficult for brain cells to communicate with each other.
The hippocampus is the brain’s center for learning and memory. Brain cells in this area are often the first to be damaged, and memory loss is often the first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease.
Protection
- Eat a balanced diet with all five food groups. Avoid foods high in fat, salty or sweet.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol and drugs. Refrain from smoking.
- Exercise your brain, such as using your left hand to work instead of your dominant right hand, changing your usual walking route, playing games, doing math, or reading books frequently.
- Exercise regularly, but not too strenuously, 3-5 days a week.
- Be careful of accidents, especially brain accidents. Wear a helmet and fasten your seatbelt when riding in a car.
- Socialize with the elderly, meet others often, and do activities with others.
- Regularly treat chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and have annual health check-ups.
- Keep your mind clear, stress-free, optimistic, and practice meditation.
Treatment for dementia depends on the underlying cause. There is no cure for neurodegenerative dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, although there are medications that can help protect the brain or manage symptoms such as anxiety or behavioral changes.