The world population is aging rapidly. It is estimated that in another thirty years’ time, 30% of the global population will be over the age of sixty. The percentage of the elderly in India is lower, at about 9%, but the number is rising rapidly. In the ancient joint family system, the young were always available to care for their elders. Today we are in an age of nuclear families where children leave home at a young age to start their careers and set up their own families. Often that means moving far from their parents – perhaps to the other end of the country or abroad. Women are no longer housebound and on hand to care for their seniors – they are, increasing numbers, finding employment outside their home. The elderly are still loved and respected, but they are often left to fend for themselves. Healthcare then becomes a major issue.
The human body becomes weaker and more susceptible to illness as it ages. Geriatrics does not try to reverse the signs of aging. Instead, it works to improve the physical, mental, psychological functionality of the elderly to enable them to live independent social and economic lives in their own environment. One of the biggest obstacles to a secure independent life is the onset of dementia.
Dementia refers to age related loss of memory. As we age, it becomes increasingly difficult for us to process and recall information. Having difficulty remembering a name, date, event etc. is normal and it is not a sign of dementia or the related Alzheimer’s disease.Normal age-related memory loss is not enough to affect daily life. Because ageing does slow the mental response time, it takes the elderly longer to solve problems and complete tasks that require the memory recall. However, the accuracy with which the task is completed remains unaffected.
Dementia is not a part of the normal ageing process. Only about 1% of age-related memory loss cases turn into dementia which is, to put it simply, changes that cause impairmentin a person’s ability to think, speak, and participate in normal social activities.
Only a professional evaluation can state with any certainty if a person is suffering from dementia. That being said, the common symptoms that should be cause for concern include:
Two treatment options are available:
Dementia does not just affect the person suffering from it. It has a domino effect on the families of the patients and those who come into contact with them. A caregiver, as, the name implies, is a person who cares for the patient and provides the support needed to provide the best possible quality of life. A caretaker must:
Caregivers must also be cared for. It is a high stress situation and caregivers will experience emotional, social and financial pressures that may affect their caregiving abilities. Continuous assessment of the caregiver’s physical and mental health is essential, and these will, in turn, affect the wellbeing of the patient.
There are no guaranteed methods for preventing the onset of the disease. However, a healthy lifestyle will significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting dementia. The lifestyle includes:
As of now, there is no cure for dementia.Keeping the brain healthy and active is a key factor in avoiding the disease and lowering the impact on those who already have it. The early detection and diagnosis of dementia are essential to being able to provide the best care for patients. This also provides the patient’s family with the time to prepare itself for the future and find the resources required to deal with the situation.
Dr. N. Lakshmipathy Ramesh
Consultant Geriatrician
Kauvery Hospital
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