Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe conditions in which loss of memory or thinking skills prevents a person from performing everyday tasks. Alzheimer's disease is the most common instance of dementia, but there are other diseases and conditions, including vitamin definciences, that can cause the symptoms of dementia.
Research published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that the percentage of Americans over 65 suffering from a form of dementia has fallen from 11.6% in 2000 to 8.8% in 2012, cutting the prevalence by nearly a quarter. It is suggested that better general education and heart health has contributed to this trend. Studies have already demonstrated a relationship between higher education and a lower probability of suffering from diseases, such as dementia. However, researches note that the leap in quality of education after World War II was much more significant than within the past several decades, so the rate of dementia in America will not necessarily continue to go down.
Here are a few facts about dementia, including some lesser known information.
- Dementia is not a normal part of aging and doesn't only wait until you're 65. Although there is a strong link between age and the likelihood of devleoping dementia, there are forms of dementia that can start as early as 30 years old.
- Dementia is not just about memory loss. Dementia affects the brain, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. Common things to notice are a sudden change in personality or behavior—especially agitation, aggressiveness, and anxiety; loss of ability to focus or pay attention; lessened reasoning skills and poor judgment; and imparied communication skills and visual perception.
- Dementia disorders have no cures, but it's still possible to live a normal life. "Brain" games and activities can help lessen the symptoms of dementia by improving their memory and reasoning skills.
- Dementia can cause death. In fact, it is the sixth leading cause of death in America, and the first and third for women and men, respectively, in the U.K. Because of the difficultly to function and move during late-stage dementia, sufferers may die slow deaths due to malnutrition and dehydration. Their weakened immune system also leaves them susceptible to infections, like pneumonia.
By using more time in our day to exercise our brain, in addition to our body, we may be able to prevent or slow down the process of dementia.
More Information about Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease