Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is dementia?
- How common is it?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of senility?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes senility?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of developing dementia?
- Treatment
- What are my treatment options for dementia?
- What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?
- Home remedies
Definition
What is dementia?
Senile is a condition when someone takes longer to remember or forgets what they did before. As we get older, changes appear in all parts of the body, including the brain. Now this is why senility is a condition that usually occurs in the aging process.
In the medical world, senility is often used as a symptom of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Dementia and Alzheimer's disease refer to decreased brain function such as decreased memory and speed of thinking and behavior.
How common is it?
Senility is a condition most often experienced by the elderly (elderly). Even so, some young people can also experience senility.
Senility in young people is usually caused by head injuries and severe psychological trauma. Women experience senility more often than men.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of senility?
The signs and symptoms of senility vary from person to person. However, some of the typical signs of dementia are:
- Often asking the same things over and over again
- Often gets lost in a place he has been familiar with for a long time
- Can't remember and follow rules
- Confused about time, person and place
- Forgetting steps to do daily activities such as eating, drinking, bathing, wearing shoes, and getting dressed
- Don't care about their safety, hygiene, and nutritional intake
Quoted from the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, there are also mental changes associated with this condition, namely:
- Impaired judgment
- Loss of memory
- Sometimes behaving childish
Psychological changes are thought to be associated with aging brain cells. Meanwhile, the physical changes associated with aging occur in all individuals to some extent.
When should I see a doctor?
Senility is normal for older people, but if you are feeling anxious, check with your doctor for more advice and advice. If the doctor suspects neurological disease and requires treatment, follow the doctor's advice and instructions.
Cause
What causes senility?
The memory function of the brain is very complicated because it is almost involved in all brain activities. Therefore, injuries that affect the head and brain can impair memory.
Senile disease may be the result of damage to the structure of the brain's signaling system (the system that controls emotions and memory). This condition is caused by brain disorders or neurological diseases.
Brain disorders that may be the cause of senility are:
- Stroke
- Alzheimer's disease
- Seizures
- Tumor or infection in the brain
- Blood blockage in the brain
- Lack of oxygen in the brain
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Bacterial herpes encephalitis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases
- Chronic Wernicke-Korsakoff alcohol addiction resulting in vitamin B1 deficiency
- Certain medication side effects
- Vitamin B12 deficiency which causes memory loss
Other factors that cause dementia are thyroid, kidney and liver disorders. Not only that, psychological problems such as stress, anxiety or depression, can make people forget faster and can be mistaken for dementia.
For example, people who have recently retired or whose relatives have died, or who are sad, lonely or anxious.
The confusion and forgetfulness caused by emotions is usually temporary and goes away when the feelings fade. Supporting parties can resolve emotional problems.
However, if the feeling persists for more than two weeks, it is important to get help from a doctor. Treatment for the condition may include counseling, medications, or both.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of developing dementia?
Some things that increase your risk of developing dementia are:
- Head and brain injury
- Stroke
- Alcohol addiction
- Seizures
Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for dementia?
Senile disease does not require treatment. The reason is that some lifestyle changes can help you overcome senility. Exercising your brain, finding new hobbies or interests, and engaging in lots of activities will help you think quickly. Limiting alcohol will also prevent brain damage.
Patients can also use other medicinal methods for dementia, such as:
- Make plans and lists of activities.
- Use notes, calendars, and other helpful remembering objects.
- Family and friends can help people remember daily routines, activities, and social contacts.
- Stress, anxiety, or depression can make people forgetful. If it continues, treatment may include more frequent counseling, medication, or both.
- In Alzheimer's patients in the early and middle stages, medications may prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Consult your doctor to find out other dementia drugs.
What are the usual tests to diagnose this condition?
Your doctor will check your medical and medical history with the help of a neurologist and psychiatrist. Some of the tests that doctors usually do to diagnose dementia are:
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Memory, problem-solving skills, and language tests
In specific cases, an ST scan, MRI, or PET scan may help doctors rule out abnormalities or changes in brain chemistry.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat dementia?
Reporting from Healthline, lifestyle and home remedies below may help prevent senility:
- Do brain exercise. Engage in activities that make you think, solve problems, and remember information. This kind of activity can stimulate your brain. Try putting together a puzzle, doing an art activity, or learning a new skill.
- Stay active. Exercise is not only good for your overall health, but physical activity can increase blood flow to your brain. Try to do aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Do social activities. Spending time with family and friends can stimulate your brain and prevent you from stress and depression. You can also join in organizational activities to stay active in social activities.
- Eat nutritious food. Focus on foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Choose healthy proteins, such as nuts, fish and chicken.
- Detection of other health conditions. Several conditions can increase your risk of developing dementia. If you have a disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, make sure that you are undergoing treatment under a doctor's supervision.
- Keep your head safe. Traumatic brain injury can cause this condition. Remember to always wear a helmet when doing activities, such as cycling or other sports.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.