You may have often felt that the elderly in your house have problems like weak memory

cognitive decline: You may have often felt that the elderly in your house have a problem like losing memory, which causes a lot of trouble in life. Dr. Abhinav Agrahari, Associate Consultant (Neuro Surgery), Fortis Escorts, Okhla, New Delhi, told that recently a 68-year-old woman came to him for treatment with her son. She was having trouble remembering conversations, could not remember things and started standing staring at the walls in anxiety. This condition is becoming increasingly common in India, where there are more than 14 crore people aged 60 years or above. It is estimated that by 2050 this number will increase to 31 crore, which will be about 20% of the total population. From mild problems to serious conditions like dementia, cognitive decline is becoming a serious public health problem.

What is cognitive decline?

Cognitive decline is the gradual loss of memory, thinking ability, and the ability to perform daily activities. Although some decline is normal with age, severe impairment can have a negative impact on independence and quality of life.

risk factors for cognitive decline

Age, especially after 65, increases the risk. Genetics and family history can accelerate the onset of cognitive decline. Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as stroke, affect mental health. Lifestyle factors such as diet, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and social isolation also contribute.

signs of cognitive decline

Detecting cognitive decline early is important. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, problems with time or place, trouble speaking or writing, as well as mood and personality changes.

How to protect yourself?

The risk of cognitive decline can be reduced by taking some essential measures and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

1. Healthy diet: Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Regular exercise: Increases blood flow to the brain and slows down cognitive decline.

3. Mental stimulation: Do activities like reading, solving puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, and learning new skills like musical instruments.

4. Social engagement: Strong social ties may help prevent cognitive decline.

5. Proper sleep: Essential for brain function.

6. Management of long-term conditions: Control high blood pressure and diabetes.

Treatment and Management

However, some types of dementia are irreversible such as Alzheimer's, vascular, frontotemporal and Lewy body. These symptoms can be managed with medications, cognitive therapy and support systems. Reversible dementia (due to nutritional deficiencies, infections, metabolic disorders, alcoholism, adverse drug reactions or depression) shows improvement when the causative factors are addressed promptly.