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What is Dementia?
It is a syndrome that causes deterioration in cognitive function (the ability to regulate thoughts). It is typically progressive or chronic. It results in a decline in two or more of the following functions:
- Reasoning
- Language
- Memory
- OrientatioN
- Mood
- Behavior
- Coordination
- Learning capacity
What Could be its Leading Causes?
This syndrome occurs due to brain cell damage. These damaged brain cells impair the brain’s ability to communicate with its various parts. It can also be caused by reduced blood flow, leading to hypoxia (low oxygen supply). Brain cell death occurs due to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Brain damage results in multiple symptoms depending on the affected areas. Some types of this syndrome are irreversible and worsen over time. However, it can be treated or managed with appropriate care.
Types of Dementia
It is classified into three major groups:
- Primary (Dementia is the leading illness)
- Secondary (caused by another underlying disease or illness)
- Reversible dementia-like symptoms (Symptoms resembled, but the cause or disease is different)
Primary Dementia
Its types are as follows:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular
- Lewy body
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
- Mixed dementia
Secondary Dementia
This syndrome is an underlying condition due to other diseases. These causes include:
- Huntington's disease
- Creutzfeldt-jakob disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
Dementia due to reversible sources
A few diseases do have this syndrome-like symptom, but are reversible. These are mentioned below:
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
- Deficiency of vitamin B12, B6, B1, E, and copper.
- Infections like Lyme disease, Syphilis, HIV infection, COVID-19, Urinary tract infections (UTIs), CNS infections (bacteria, fungus, or parasites)
- Metabolic and endocrine conditions like Addison’s disease, Mercury or arsenic poisoning, Hypercalcemia, Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Liver cirrhosis, Cushing disease, or Thyroid issues.
- Few medicines have memory loss-like symptoms.
Miscellaneous causes:
These include
- Brain tumors
- Subdural hematomas (internal bleeding in the brain)
Dementia Symptoms:
These symptoms can vary depending on their cause, but the most common signs are listed below:
Cognitive changes:
- Memory loss remains unnoticed by the sufferers.
- Visual and special abilities are affected
- Difficult to handle complex tasks
- Facing difficulty in reasoning and problem-solving
- Managemental or planning problems
- Coordination and motor function impairment
- Difficult to communicate and find words
- Disorientation
- Confusion
Psychological changes:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Personality changes
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Inappropriate behavior
- Hallucinations
Differential Diagnosis:
It is a challenging task to differentiate this syndrome from other diseases. Many diseases share similar symptoms. A neurologist will ask you the following questions for history taking. Then, he will suggest you few tests for confirmatory diagnosis. These are labs, neurocognitive tests, and imaging tests.
- Cerebrospinal fluid testing is also suggested to diagnose differential neurodegenerative or autoimmune disorders.
- Computerized tomography (CT) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):
- FDG-PET scan:
- Neurocognitive testing
- Psychiatric evaluation
Dementia Treatment
There are certain FDA-approved medications for Alzheimer’s. These medicines could restrict its progression but can only slow it down. Are:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors > Donepezil
> Rivastigmine
> Galantamine - NMDA receptor antagonist > Memantine
- Anti-amyloid antibody > Aducanumab
Dr. Waseem, a dietitian and fitness trainer, treats his patients through dietary and lifestyle modifications. Avoid medicines whenever possible since they often have many side effects. He firmly believes in treatment through diet, so he recommends the following parameters for brain and body fitness:
Intermittent fasting lowers insulin levels in the body. Alzheimer’s is linked to insulin resistance in the brain so fasting can be beneficial for its treatment.
Moderate exercise helps enhance lean muscles and insulin receptors. Exercise also regulates blood flow and supports the growth and survival of new brain cells, which can delay or prevent the disease.
A therapeutic ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbs, is very effective for treating memory loss. It includes vegetables like cauliflower and cucumber, nuts, and keto-friendly fruits such as berries. Fats come from olive oil, cream, butter, cheese, and coconut oil, while proteins come from boiled eggs, beef, mutton, chicken, or flax seeds.
Engage in healthy brain exercises like solving puzzles or playing games. Regularly take supplements with multivitamins, especially thiamine and vitamin D.
Lose weight to reduce the risks of cardiovascular disorders and diabetes.
Avoid stress and maintain a proper sleep pattern.
Consult a psychiatrist if you face anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues. Have regular follow-ups with your healthcare practitioner.
Wrapping Up
Why Ginnastic Health Center?
Expert Team
Led by Dr. Waseem, our team is renowned for their expertise in diabetes care, providing top-tier treatment.
Individualized Approach
Services are tailored to your specific health needs and goals, ensuring a personalized approach to diabetes management.
Comprehensive Care
From initial diagnosis to ongoing management, we offer a full spectrum of diabetes care services.
Patient-Focused Care
Your well-being is our priority, and we offer compassionate support throughout your health journey.
Meet the Health Professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
We can’t prevent dementia, but living a healthy and active life may reduce its risk factors. The following preventive measures should be adopted:
- Normal blood pressure
- Maintain normal insulin levels
- Weightloss to prevent obesity
- Quit smoking
- Ketogenic diet plan
- Exercise
- Healthy brain activities to enhance cognitive functioning
- Social activeness
Dr Waseem is the most competent dementia doctor in Islamabad. Book an appointment at Ginnastic Health Center, Islamabad, for a thorough check-up.
People with dementia often change their emotional responses. They may have reduced control over their emotions and how they express them.
Currently, there is no cure for it. In fact, since various diseases cause dementia, it is unlikely that a single cure will be found. Research is focused on finding cures for diseases that cause this syndrome, such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and memory loss with Lewy bodies.
You can minimize symptoms associated with the guidelines mentioned by Dr Waseem.
- Control high blood pressure
- Manage blood sugar
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy diet
- Keep physically active
- Stay mentally active
- Stay connected with family and friends
- Treat hearing problems
Do visit Ginnastic Health Centre for individualized care.
Get the Best Diabetes Treatment in Islamabad
Contact Us
Take charge of your diabetes with the guidance of Islamabad’s top diabetes specialist. Contact Ginnastic Health Center today to book your consultation and start your journey toward better health.
- Address: 3rd Floor Interlace Plaza, I-8 Markaz, Islamabad
- Phone: 03373333405
- Email: ginnastichealths@gmail.com
- Website: https://ginnastic.pk/
Our committed team is ready to provide the care and support you need for effective diabetes management and reversal.