What is Dementia? Dementia is a collective term for conditions in which brain cells or connections between brain cells slowly disappear. The brain will process information less well, causing the body and mind to deteriorate. One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease – in about 3 out of 4 cases. Alzheimer’s involves a beta-amyloid protein they build up in the brain, form toxic deposits (plaques) and interfere with brain function, although the exact mechanism and process behind it is still not fully understood. The amyloid-beta protein in turn affects the abnormal tau proteins which in turn cause brain damage.
In the early stages of dementia, patients barely notice it, but as the disease progresses slowly, symptoms may become more and more apparent. It then goes from forgetfulness or poor memory to, at a later stage, possible problems with language, behavior change, problems with daily activities and daily functioning. The disease can also lead to death (often indirectly). Dementia usually affects the elderly, but there is also juvenile dementia, when the first symptoms appear in people under 65.
Eat a varied and not too fatty diet, drink little alcohol, do not smoke and exercise or exercise regularly, reduce the risk of dementia. “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain” is the motto. About 20 percent of the population is expected to deal with dementia at some point.
