LETTERS: Tomorrow is World Alzheimer's Day. So, ask yourself – has your memory been failing you recently? Are you easily confused? Always forget where you put your things?
As you reach a certain age, perhaps it's time to start taking care of your health to reduce the risks of dementia — an umbrella term for several diseases, of which the most common is Alzheimer's.
Some early warning signs include memory loss, difficulty concentrating or performing once-familiar daily tasks, confusion about time and place, and changes in mood and personality. These may not be noticed by the person experiencing it but instead will be picked up by friends and family surrounding them.
The World Health Organisation found that dementia was the seventh leading cause of death globally in 2019, and its prevalence is between five and eight per cent among the general elderly population. In Malaysia, the prevalence of dementia among older adults aged 60 and above is 8.5 per cent.
As one in 10 Malaysians suffer from dementia, it is also estimated to be the third leading cause of disability among males and the second leading cause among females aged 80 and above in 2014.
Dementia affects the sufferer in more ways than one. People with dementia often have less control over their emotions and how to express them. They become easily irritable and tend to have rapid mood changes.
These behavioural changes are complex for carers to deal with. The Alzheimer's Disease Foundation Malaysia (ADFM) said it takes an average of three carers to care for one person with dementia, among the reasons that lead people with dementia being placed in nursing homes.
Due to the stigma of the disease, people with dementia tend to be looked at differently and have low self-esteem as they suffer from health issues, financial difficulties, being unemployed, and difficult relationships with those around them.
According to ADFM, while there's no sure way to prevent all types of dementia, there is good evidence that staying mentally active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Engaging in mental or social activities may stimulate the brain's capacity to cope with the disease, relieve stress, and improve overall mood. This activity would indirectly help delay or even prevent dementia from progressing. Some recommended activities include:
1) Doing simple activities like Sudoku, board games or brainteasers using a smartphone or tablet. These activities can engage the mind and challenge the brain by processing information and developing thinking skills.
2) Continuing with hobbies such as reading books, playing musical instruments, or keeping a diary. These brain-stimulating activities can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
3) Participating in community programmes as they involve interaction with other people that delays the progression of dementia by keeping mental health intact.
4) Engaging in regular physical activity to improve blood circulation which in turn will improve brain health. It is easier to start with a small exercise, like brisk walking, then gradually build up.
5) Eating a healthy, balanced diet reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases, including dementia. Stick to specific eating patterns such as the Mediterranean-style diet, which emphasises whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, and healthy fats like nuts and olive oil.
6) Quit smoking. If you happen to be a smoker, it is the right time to quit to minimise damage to your precious brain cells. It is best to consult a doctor for different ways to stop smoking.
As you get older, you are more likely to develop certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes that can increase the risk of getting dementia. Hence, seeing your doctor for a health check and discussing any medical concerns is essential.
Ultimately, it is important to stress that dementia is not a normal part of ageing though it can severely impact a person and the community. Therefore, it is best to start taking steps now, regardless of your age, to halt the progression or prevent the onset of the disease entirely.
Khairul Amirin Sharkawi; Khissen Raj S. Alagappan; Noor Elyna Mohd Abdul Latif; Suneesa Som Sak, Elisya Munirah Eme Arizal; Lim Zheng Xian; Loh Hui Jee and Ng Jing Hui
MBBS Students, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya
Dr Nur Afiqah Mohd Salleh
Community Posting Supervisor, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times