The world celebrates Alzheimer’s Day to raise awareness about dementia. Dementia is a collective term for a cluster of symptoms. There are difficulties with memory, language, and other thinking-related skills. 70% of all dementia cases are Alzheimer’s, making it the most common form of dementia. According to WHO, 47 million people, or 5% of the elderly population suffer from dementia as of 2015. By 2030 the number of affected will rise to 75 million and by 2050 it will be 132 million. GlobalData estimates 16 countries where 6% of all 60 years old and above face dementia. India features in this. At least 4 million Indians suffer some form of dementia.

Dr. Firoz Ahmed has work experience of 10 + years as a clinician in private practice. He has worked in the fields of geriatric medicine and general medicine. He is working with Fortis hospital, New Delhi. He is also graduating in 2020 with MBA in hospital administration which is added to his merits apart from being a professional doctor. 

Difference between Alzheimer's disease and Dementia

Dr. Firoz Ahmed says, “Dementia is the cause of mental disorders. In this dementia, the neurons of the brain are affected due to underlying disease. This causes- 

Changes in intellect  Changes in memory  Changes in behavior

However, the consciousness is intact. It is commonly seen in the elderly above the age of 60 + years. 

Whereas, Alzehoemeros is the most common cause of dementia, which is seen in 80 + years. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia. Because Of aging the neurons shrink in the brain. In Alzheimer's, the amyloids increase in the brain and cause excessive deposition. This will form plaques in the brain. This results in the loss of functions of storage and transmission of information. The function of the synapse gets affected resulting in lower levels of acetylcholine. Shrinkage of neurons causes shrinkage of the brain. 

Causes of dementia- 

Dr. Firoz Ahmed says, “Dementia is a group of diseases. There are 70 causes of dementia 

Infection of brain  Nutritional deficiencies The early history of depression  Head injury  Brain blood clot  Brain infarcts which damage brain cells Liver disease  Kidney failure  Thyroid disorder  Family history of dementia 

Alzehiermer’s and Dementia

Dr. Firoz Ahmed says, “Alzheimer's and Dementia have the same characteristics. But, there is an additional neuronal loss in Alzheimer's which leads to damage of the brain after brain shrinkage. There is a part called the hippocampus which is the memory storage area. In Alzheimer's, the hippocampus gets affected. The warning signs of Alzheimer's are - 

Memory loss  Difficult in daily activities  Problem on language  Disorientation of time and space Confusion  Poor judgment  Impatient  Forgetting thing  Mood changes  Depression  Hesitation  Anxiety

We need awareness about warning signs of Alzheimer's to be detected early. People with dementia have higher chances of  Alzheimer's. “

Risk factors of dementia and Alzheimer's

Dr. Firoz Ahmed says, “The risk factors of Alzheimer's and dementia care- 

Sedentary lifestyle  Lack of physical activities  Sleep deprivation- this causes an increase in amyloid shrinking the brain.  Smoking alcohol  Obesity and overweight  Long term disease  Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension  High cholesterol levels  Head injury  Cardiac diseases like stroke  Brain hemorrhage  Lack of nutrients  Lack of social interaction  Lack of use of brain  Loneliness and introvert

Early age of Alzheimer's and Dementia

Dr. Firoz Ahmed says, “Dementia can be caused at an early age like forgetting small things. There is a possibility of dementia in the middle age group. 

Challenges of Alzehiermer’s

Dr. Firoz Ahmed says, “ The major challenges in dementia care - 

No specific medicines for 100 % cure  Symptom-based treatment  Medicines to halt dementia  Lack of awareness Less family and social support  Nuclear families Lack of proper old age homes  Financial issues  Retirement  The problem in treating disease.”

Treatment of Alzheimer's

Dr. Firoz Ahmed says, “ The treatment of dementia involves 

Lifestyle changes Better social life  Treatment of depression and exercises Balanced diet   Yoga  Treatment of long-standing diseases Identify the cause behind dementia  Treat the base cause  Family counseling  Homecare  Nursing care  Medications to stop the progression of the disease"

(Edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)