Definition – What is Dementia?

Dementia is a collection of symptoms of decreased brain function.

Disrupts memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to carry out daily activities.

Not a normal part of aging, although the risk increases with age.

Decreased memory (especially of recent events)

Language and communication disorders

Disorientation of time and place

Changes in behavior and personality

Disturbance of daily activities

Alzheimer: most common, slowly progressive

Vascular Dementia: due to damage to blood vessels in the brain

Lewy Body Dementia: accompanied by hallucinations and movement disorders

Frontotemporal Dementia: changes in behavior and language are more dominant

Elderly

Family history

Hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol

Unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol)

Lack of physical and mental activity

Depression and social isolatio

Regular physical activity

Balanced diet (Mediterranean diet)

Mental stimulation (reading, studying, playing puzzles)

Social interaction

Chronic disease control

Diagnosis through interview, cognitive testing (MMSE/MoCA), brain imaging

There is no cure yet, but it can be slowed down:

• • • Medication: donepezil, memantine

    • Cognitive therapy

    • Caregiver and environmental support

For individuals: decreased quality of life, high dependency

Towards family: emotional and financial burden

To society: health care costs are increasing