Learn about dementia
New Delhi. Does an elderly person in your family frequently forget things? Such as forgetting keys, getting lost on familiar paths, or experiencing difficulty in daily activities. If this is happening again and again, it may be wrong to consider it merely an effect of age. In India, about 88 lakh people above the age of 60 years are estimated to be affected by dementia. Let us know in detail about this disease and its symptoms.
According to a national study conducted on dementia in India, the rate among people aged 60 years and above is about 7.4 percent. This means that approximately 88 lakh elderly people may be affected by this condition. This figure is based on research data collected between 2017 and 2020. According to the study, if the rate of dementia continues like this, the number of affected people may increase to about 1 crore 69 lakh by 2036.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a condition that affects a person's memory, ability to think, communicate, and perform daily tasks. The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, but not every memory loss is dementia.
Pay attention to early symptoms
Recent incidents such as repeatedly forgetting or asking the same question again and again.
Losing your way to a familiar place or being confused about time and place.
Difficulty finding the right words during conversation.
Having persistent difficulty keeping track of money, paying bills, or doing everyday tasks.
Changes in behavior, mood, or personality that were not there before.
If these symptoms are increasing continuously and affecting daily life, it is necessary to get checked by a doctor. Timely testing can help in understanding the cause of the disease, managing symptoms and planning the patient's care. Sometimes memory can be affected due to Vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid problem, depression or some medicines.
According to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, being socially active, and keeping blood pressure and diabetes under control can help reduce the risk of dementia.