What to Know About Dementia
Dementia, although it is usually associated with old age, in recent years it has also started to be encountered frequently in younger age groups. This situation necessitates creating great awareness in society. Early onset dementia (EBD) includes types of dementia that occur before the age of 65 and can seriously affect both the work and social life of individuals.
Symptoms of Early Onset Dementia
Early onset dementia is usually depression, anxiety or work stress. Therefore, there may be delays in diagnosis. Some common symptoms of EBD are:
- Behavior Changes: Patients may begin to behave differently than they did before.
- Executive Dysfunctions: A decline in planning, organization and decision-making skills may be observed.
- Language Loss: There may be a decrease in communication ability.
- Visual Perception Disorders: Patients may have difficulty processing visual information.
Dementia and Genetic Factors
Genetic factors play an important role in the increase in dementia cases in the young age group. In individuals under the age of 45, family history and genetic predisposition can be effective in the development of the disease. In addition, high LDL cholesterol level ve vision loss Health problems such as are also among the factors that increase the risk of dementia.
Things to Consider During the Diagnosis Process
The process of diagnosing dementia is often a complex and challenging one. Especially in young individuals, symptoms are often confused with other psychological conditions. At this point, MRI, cerebrospinal fluid ve PET Advanced imaging methods such as are of great importance to understand how the brain is affected. Thanks to these methods, it is possible to diagnose diseases in their early stages.
Lifestyle Changes and Treatment Methods
In the treatment of dementia, cholinergic treatments and lifestyle changes have an important place. The following recommendations should be taken into consideration to improve the quality of life of patients and slow down the disease process:
- Balanced diet: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins supports brain health.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves brain function and reduces the risk of dementia.
- Mental Stimulation: Mental activities such as solving puzzles and reading books help maintain brain health.
- Social Interaction: Social activities positively affect the psychological health of individuals.
Creating Awareness in Society
Raising public awareness about dementia is of critical importance in combating this disease. Increasing awareness of both patients and physicians can positively impact early diagnosis and treatment processes. In this context, awareness campaigns should be regulated and multidisciplinary centers should be disseminated.
Genetic Tests and Biomarkers
Genetic tests and biomarkers need to be made available for early diagnosis of dementia. Such tests are of great importance in understanding the course of the disease and planning the treatment process. In addition, special care processes should be planned according to the needs of young patients.
As a result
Early-onset dementia is a disease that can have serious consequences for young people. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms and seek professional help in a timely manner. As a society, we must work together to increase awareness of dementia and improve treatment methods.
