Everyone ages, but memories and loved ones are the only things that do not fade away. If one day you notice your elders at home losing their words, constantly forgetting things, or even forgetting who you are… this may be the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia.
In its early stages, symptoms are mild, and the first to third years are considered the mild dementia phase, primarily manifested in the following aspects:
- Gradual decline in memory, with recent events frequently forgotten.
- Difficulty coping with unfamiliar affairs and understanding new things.
- Decreased speech, becoming more silent, easily forgetting things and names.
- Flat emotions, prone to anger and irritability, rapid emotional shifts.
- Decreased judgment, impaired logical thinking ability, and difficulty dealing with complex situations.
- Degraded visual-spatial abilities, confusion in memory of space and time.
- Inability to solve life and work problems, isolation, and lack of social interaction.
Dementia is not caused by a single factor, and scientists have not reached a definitive conclusion. However, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Common triggers include:
- Immune system decline, decreased body detoxification function, chronic viral infections, etc.
- Thyroid and immune system diseases, epilepsy, and other conditions can also lead to dementia.
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries with impaired consciousness and serious accidents.
- History of depression, especially late-life depression, and paranoid mental disorders.
Facing dementia, family members bear a significant psychological burden, but the only thing to do is to provide careful care.
For individuals with mild dementia, guiding them to participate in activities such as art creation can enhance cognitive abilities. For those with severe dementia, constant attention to safety, arranging for dedicated care, and maintaining a tidy living environment are crucial.
