Memory is one of the most essential cognitive functions of the brain. Intellect, learning, communication, problem solving; all require an intact memory. For years together, our brain learns and retains new concepts and uses stored information to solve problems. And then one day, after many years, this ability declines and we begin to forget what we once knew. Dementia is a brain disorder in which one cannot remember what was learnt in the past and also, one is unable to retain new information. It is well understood as a deterioration of the memory, intellect, as well as personality; and manifests as a complete transformation of behavior, demeanor and thinking.
Dementia comes to notice when small changes appear in the person's daily routine. People with dementia ask the same question again and again and do not realize they have asked it before. They eat food and within an hour they may ask for a meal again, they forget simple words and tend to substitute them with a similar sounding or wrong word; they sometimes get lost in their own street and cannot get back home once they've gone out. They misplace things, become distractible and moody, irritable, suspicious or even fearful. Eventually they lose drive, become passive and may refuse to go out at all.
Neurological connects
Dementia is a neurological disorder wherein the nerve cells in the brain are damaged, predominantly the ones that produce the memory chemical called acetylcholine. Other chemicals are involved but to a smaller extent. There are several varieties of dementia in which different areas of the brain are involved. Overall, there are features common to all these conditions with specific differences depending on the area of brain involved. Some deteriorate rapidly while others progressively get worse over the years.
Predictability
It is difficult to predict who will develop dementia, in what severity and when. The dictum says: the more you use it lesser you lose it. Implying that active utilization of the brain cells prevents them form degenerating. Those who read avidly, work on mind games, math tasks and puzzles; slow their own chances of developing dementia. Some forms of Alzheimer’s can surface as early as 35 years of age. It also remains a quandary to identify the cause. Dementia is caused by destruction of the brain cells. Thus any injury to the head, a paralytic stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington's chorea and some brain infections are all associated with dementia. With the continued loss of brain cells the other functions of the brain also get affected. Self care, feeding, bathing, going to the bathroom, everything soon requires support. It exerts tremendous pressure on the family members. Caring for such a person is demanding and increases the stress levels of the caregiver too.
Dementia and Pseudo-dementia
Sometimes one may complain of forgetfulness, which is unrelated to dementia. This is pseudo-dementia (masquerading as true dementia). In these cases there are more negative answers (I don't know, I don't remember, I cant recall etc.) unlike true dementia where one responds affirmatively with the wrong answer and insists that it is correct. Pseudo-dementia is essentially an altered presentation of depression where one loses drive and becomes inattentive though the ability to retain information is intact. It gets better and memory is back on track once depression is alleviated.
Prevention Detection Intervention
At MINDFRAMES we have special screening camps for geriatric individuals to pick up symptoms of early cognitive decline. Medication and counseling sessions are provided for senior citizens individually and in groups. Caregivers are also given information on the illness, how to cope positively with the situation without getting too stressed; and to ensure the best quality of life for the patient. Wellness seminars are conducted for adults to emphasize the 'use to prevent loss' of the brain function; in order to delay or prevent the development of memory decline.
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