Let's push dementia away

Most diseases are easier to prevent than to treat. This is known to everyone. Early diagnosis is often a crucial factor in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Timely diagnosis allows for the development of effective methods that can halt the progression of the disease, prevent it from transitioning into a chronic stage, and lead to recovery.

In the case of dementia, particularly its most common form, Alzheimer's disease, it is especially important to take measures and attempt to eliminate irreversible consequences using all available methods and advancements of modern medicine. It is commonly believed that dementia primarily affects elderly people, but this is not an axiom or something inevitable (numerous facts confirm that the development of the disease can start at an early age). The symptoms of the condition are individual, but experts suggest paying attention to several common signs that may indicate the predisposition to dementia.

1. Difficulties in solving trivial problems

Ordinary forgetfulness, such as not remembering where one put a pen or taking a long time to recall the name of an actor in a TV series, is common for many people, and when such occurrences happen rarely, there is little cause for concern. "If there were no memory, life would be impossible; if there were no forgetfulness, life would be unbearable," said Polish writer Vladislav Gzhegorchik, author of many aphorisms. However, it is a different matter when familiar objects are regularly lost, recent agreements are forgotten, the names of favorite directors, performers, ballet soloists, film titles, and literary works become difficult to recall, and managing household appliances like vacuum cleaners, microwave ovens, or washing machines becomes challenging. These difficulties may indicate developing impairments.

Peter Ross, President of the Board of Directors of the Home Care Association, explains, "Elderly people with dementia find it difficult to perform simple daily actions that used to be easy: navigating, paying bills with a credit card, or playing a well-known favorite game. While mild forgetfulness is normal with age, forgetting frequently performed tasks should cause concern."

2. "Chronotope of forgetfulness"

An example of such forgetfulness (in terms of a literary image) was shown by Joseph Brodsky, Nobel laureate in literature, in the work "Telemachus and Odysseus":

“My dear Telemachus,

The Trojan War is over now.

I don’t recall who one it.

The Greeks, no doubt…”     

One of the earliest signs of dementia is a disruption of orientation in time and surroundings. A person cannot recall today's date, the day of the week, confuses dates and events that occurred at a specific time in a precise location, experiences confusion, for example, when entering a supermarket or struggles to find the way out; they misjudge distances to objects on the street, forget the way to places they have visited many times.

Peter Ross warns, "People with dementia find it difficult to keep track of dates, time, and even seasons. If something happens too quickly, they may have trouble understanding what has occurred. They forget where they are, including places they have frequented, and how they got there. This is particularly concerning."

3. Difficulties with word selection

A noticeable symptom of impending dementia is difficulties in selecting the right words to express thoughts in conversation or writing, as well as unclear pronunciation. Vocabulary becomes impoverished, and problems arise with naming objects and abstract concepts, as well as with the ability to formulate thoughts clearly and coherently. The comical phrase from the popular movie, "When you speak, Ivan Vasilyevich, it feels like you're babbling," takes on a serious and tragic meaning. During reasoning, a person often forgets what they wanted to say.

"Inability to follow a conversation or participate in it can be a sign of mental impairment. Your conversation partner may pause in the middle of a sentence, not knowing how to continue, constantly repeats himself, or experiences difficulties with vocabulary," says Ross.

4. Regular loss and subsequent search for objects

People often leave everyday items (phone, slippers, keys, glasses) in different places and then cannot find them. Attempts to recall their actions also prove unsuccessful.

"People with dementia often lose things or put them where they have never been placed before. If they find it difficult to retrace their steps or accuse others of theft, it is also a sign that something is wrong," claims Peter Ross.

5. Withdrawal from social contacts

People begin to avoid any joint activities with neighbors, friends, and former colleagues. Loss of interest in recent hobbies, indifference to what is happening in politics, art, and other spheres of society, and apathy towards the problems of loved ones can be early symptoms of dementia.

As Ross states, "...while it is normal for older people to feel tired at some social events, people with dementia often completely give up socially useful activity."

6. Emotional problems

Noticeable changes in a person's character and temperament should raise concerns. If a cheerful and lively person suddenly becomes gloomy and grumpy, or a modest and shy person suddenly becomes very talkative, it is a reason to take is seriously. Anxiety and suspiciousness, especially if they were not characteristic of the person before, are also unfavorable symptoms.

"People with dementia often experience serious mood changes, confusion, suspicion, depression, fear, or anxiety," Ross shares his observations. Gloominess, depression, and a lack of interest in pleasures can be signs of dementia.

What to do to slow down the dementia process?

If you notice unfavorable signs in the behavior of a loved one, immediately consult a psychiatrist. There are objective tests that allow specialists to assess whether it is a normal aging process or symptoms of dementia. The problem is very serious, and there is still no cure for this condition.

Although not fatal, dementia, according to some experts' forecasts, may become the main medical problem of the 21st century. Modern technologies, including advances in growing brain organoids, offer hope for success in the near future. However, many experts today agree with the words of Dr. Brian Wu from the Executive Mental Health group for elderly care: "The best advice to take now is to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, proper balanced nutrition, sufficient physical and social activity."

"We need to think about the risks and change our lifestyle for the better," agrees Dr. Doug Brown, representative of the UK Alzheimer's Society.

Work, communicate, engage in intellectual games, exercise, learn poems, watch movies, memorize aphorisms—share your impressions...

Live life to the fullest! Enjoy it!