Dementia

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a decline in cognitive function affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Early symptoms include forgetting recent events, misplacing items, and having difficulty finding words.

As the condition progresses, individuals may experience disorientation and impaired judgment, followed by significant behavioral changes such as depression or aggression.

In more advanced stages, individuals may require assistance with basic activities like dressing and eating, struggle to recognize family members or friends and experience mobility challenges.

Dementia includes subtypes like Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for 60 to 70% of dementia cases.

Other subtypes include vascular dementia, which results from reduced blood flow to the brain, and dementia with Lewy bodies caused by abnormal protein deposits inside nerve cells.

Risk factors for dementia include advanced age, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, cognitive and physical inactivity, and social isolation.

Although there is no cure, regular physical exercise, mental activities, and social interactions can help preserve cognitive function and improve quality of life.