I had met my classmate around 4 months back and informed her also about my mom's death. But in a recent email, she wrote to me that I had met her a couple of years back. She also enquired about my mom.
Seeing her email, the first thought that came to my mind was: is she suffering from early dementia. I hope not. Maybe, she just forgot about the time that I had met her a few months back. Maybe because it was a hurried and surprise visit.
Nonetheless, dementia is on the rise. It affects people after 60 years of age. The increased life expectancy means that one will see more of such cases in the near future.
India has around 10 million dementia cases out of the world total of 57 million. This is a huge percentage. It affects not only an individual but the whole family. There is this individual who is physically okay but mentally absent. The person needs custodial care and it could turn out to be expensive. It is also emotionally disturbing to see your loved one in that state of mental despair and unreachable mentally.
Moreover, care of such a person removes one or two family members from active work engagement. This could cause financial issues as well for the family.
The exact cause of dementia remains unclear. But there are certain risk factors that have been identified. These include:
1. Low education in early life increases risk of dementia by 5%.
2. Uncorrected hearing loss in midlife can enhance risk by 7%.
3. Visual loss increased risk by 4%.
4. Head injuries (acute or chronic or repetitive) increases risk by 3%. Boxers and football players are vulnerable in this class.
5. Obesity raises risk by 1%
6. Sedantary lifestyle in middle age increase risk by 2%.
7. Hypertension increases risk by 2%
8. Diabetes mellitus increases risk by 2%
9. High cholesterol of LDL (low density lipoprotein) type has higher chance of dementia, to the tune of 7%.
10. Smoking increases risk by 2%
11. Alcoholism increases risk by 1%
12. Loneliness can increase risk. This adds 5% risk. Migration and social media have added to social isolation.
13. Depression is another risk factor for dementia. It adds 3% risk.
14. Air pollution and chemicals in air and food add to another 3% of risk for dementia.
There may be other contributory factors as well. Conquer of certain chronic diseases means there is a rising aged population and hence dementia. The blood vessels in old age undergo degenerative changes lessening blood supply to brain and more chances of dementia.
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There is no cure for dementia. Hence preventive measures targeting the above risk factors remain the mainstay of treatment. Health care should be prepared for this epidemic with hospitals, specialized care, beds, and funds. Psychological counseling for family and caregiver will also be required.
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