Alzheimer’s Disease International stated that there are more than 9.9 million new cases of dementia globally each year. In 2015, there were approximately 46.8 million people living with Dementia, and this number doubles every 20 years. It was also estimated that in 2030, the number of these patients will reach up to 75 million, and 131.5 million in the year 2050.
Moreover, Young Dementia UK said that this ailment usually occur between the age of 30 and 65 years old, also known as the ‘early onset’ or ‘the working age’.
Another, about 5-8% adults ages 65 and up are said to have this disorder, and this percentage duplicates every 5 years.
In addition, dementia includes more than 10 kinds of the disorder, and the most popular is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
Interpretation
World Health Organization defines Dementia as a disorder that causes deterioration in the different functions of the brain, including memory, thinking and learning abilities, focus, comprehension level, language, judgement, and other capabilities of an individual.
Emergence
Alzheimer’s Association mentioned that scientists suggests Dementia primarily begins with the damage in the brain cells that results to obstruction of the brain cells communication. Once these brain cells are not able to properly communicate to each other, some disturbances in the brain will happen.
Furthermore, some research revealed that other factors like degenerative and vascular disorders, meningitis, HIV, Traumatic brain injuries, trouble in the central nervous system, alcohol and drug dependence, etc. can also be considered as causes of Dementia.
Categories
According to studies, Dementia has two main types that determines which side of the brain is affected.
- Cortical – impacts the brain’s outer layer that forms some hurdle in the memory, speaking and language capabilities.
- Subcortical – impacts some parts of the brain underneath the cortex that forms difficulties in the cognitive area.
Stages
Everyday Health mentioned that Dementia has 7 stages in total
- No Impairment – no noticeable symptoms
- Very mild decline – diminutive simple behavioral changes like misplacing some stuff
- Mild decline – detectable changes in his way of thinking, forgetfulness, confusion, repetition, tc.
- Moderate decline – may find hassle in doing daily routine, incontinence, inability to utter some words properly
- Moderately severe decline – needs some help in remembering things accordingly in terms of location, personal details, decision, and judgement
- Severe Decline – needs assistance in day to day basis, difficulty in getting dressed, toileting, recalling, has sleep interruptions, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- Very severe decline – cannot speak or understand words, loss of perception in the surroundings, loss of control in urination or other muscle controls such ass walking
Treatments
According to Alzheimer’s association, there is no single definite remedy yet to stop or slow the progression of Dementia, although there are drug and non-drug alternatives that may help treating the symptoms. Also, some studies stated that doctors will handle the patient’s condition according to whatever it caused it in the first place.
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