Signs and symptoms of Dementia
TODAY, let’s talk about an important issue that we all overlook that goes on in our society but is not truly discussed in the open. We neglect this important syndrome that needs honest attention. Dementia is a real thing and it exists in our society. I have met quite a lot of people who suffer from Dementia and it is actually sad.
According to WHO, Dementia is a condition characterized by a decline in the cognitive function (i.e., the capacity to process thoughts) that goes beyond what would be anticipated as a result of biological aging. Memory, cognition, orientation, understanding, computation, learning capacity, language, and judgment are all affected except for the state of consciousness. Changes in mood, emotional control, behavior, or motivation are frequently associated with, and occasionally precede, cognitive impairment.
During a day’s break at the office, a discussion was being held amongst colleagues about experiences concerning Dementia. Various stories were brought up and it was quite interesting. One colleague mentioned how their grandmother just walked out of the gate from home and went missing for a whole day.
After necessary measures were put in place, a random stranger called in relation to a post he had seen on social media which was looking for the old lady. Fortunately, she was found and she defended herself by informing them that she went to buy talk time for the phone she does not have. She included that she went to visit her relatives-apparently were she was seated on the ground at the market chatting with a group of strangers. Hilarious right. Another colleague (an only child), complained about how he’s father asked for his son every morning when he went to greet him.
He literally was asking his son every morning for his son. This means that he had forgotten his own son. Another one added that his daughter was introducing her foreign fiancé to his father (her grandfather) and he went to the extent of telling the young man he had just met that, “I remember you from when you were a little boy.
You’ve really grown up.” This one actually cracked me up because I could only imagine how confused the man looked. A fourth colleague who walked in contributed to the discussion and aggrandized that he’s experience with his mother felt like torture. This was because he had not yet understood that she had transitioned to the middle stage of Dementia. According to him, she kept repeating the same question which became irritating. Imagine someone asking you the same question over and over without realizing they need help. Sad right.
Judging by the above, it’s
clear to see that some of the common signs and symptoms of Dementia include; memory, attention, communication, reasoning judgement and problem solving, eyesight. To be specific, getting lost in a familiar neighborhood, using unusual words to refer to familiar objects, forgetting the name of a close family member or friend, forgetting old memories and not being able to complete tasks independently. Some of the risk factors of it include age, traumatic brain injury, poor health, race or ethnicity and family history. The most frequent kind of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is not a natural aspect of aging, even though it usually affects older people (65 and above).
As much as Dementia usually affects old people, there is evidence that it can also affect younger people. The best way to prevent it from a young age is by being physically active, not smoking, avoiding harmful use of alcohol, controlling weight, eating a healthy diet, and, maintaining healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Most typically, family members and friends spend an average of 5 hours per day caring for dementia patients.
It is easy to become overwhelmed with these patients. Physical, emotional, and financial strains can put families and caregivers under a lot of stress, therefore help from the health, social, financial, and legal institutions is needed. If you feel that you know someone suffering from the above, take them to the nearest health facility for assistance. The healthcare worker can provide tests on attention, memory, problem solving, and other cognitive capacities. A physical exam, blood tests, and brain scans such as a CT or MRI can all be used to figure out what’s causing the problem. After results are ready, guidance will be given accordingly. One thing we need to remember is not to hide patients but help them.
Winter is over, mandatory masks have been uplifted, but, let us all remember Covid-19 is still with us. Go to your nearest health facility if you feel sick. Get vaccinated and Stay safe!
Senior Health Promotion Officer
Ministry of Health- Headquarters
Dept: Health Promotion, Environment and Social Determinants
Unit: Health Promotion
Phone No.: +260 953 268090