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Navigating a hidden crisis: Strategies for dealing with dementia

Dementia, coined as the 'hidden epidemic', is growing in occurrence among younger generations, with diagnoses starting as early as age 50. A variety of causes are implicated, such as pre-existing health conditions, brain tumors, early strokes, and accidents. The Memory Clinic at Republican...

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Dementia, often termed the 'hidden pandemic', is manifesting earlier in life, with signs appearing...
Dementia, often termed the 'hidden pandemic', is manifesting earlier in life, with signs appearing in individuals as young as their 50s. A myriad of factors contribute to this, including pre-existing health conditions, brain tumors, early strokes, injuries, and others. The staff at the Memory Cabinet of Republican Clinical Hospital No. 3, comprising of clinical psychologist Natalia Ivanov and neurologist, discussed strategies to ward off this disorder.

Dementia: The Silent Epidemic Hitting Younger Generations

Dementia, often referred to as the "silent epidemic", is on the rise, striking individuals as young as 50. The root causes vary - previous conditions, brain tumors, early strokes, injuries, and more. But what can we do to prevent it? Two experts from the Memory Clinic of Republican Clinical Hospital No.3, Natalia Ivanova, clinical psychologist and head of the Palliative Psychological Support Service, and Victoria Mestnikova, neurologist, have some insights.

Minding Your Mental Health

Overwork and stress can have detrimental effects on the brain, says psychologist, Natalia Ivanova. In the past, intellectually demanding professions were believed to offer protection against dementia, but that's far from the truth. High levels of responsibility and stress can lead to cognitive decline, causing forgetfulness and anxiety.

After 40, prevention is vital. Start learning to relax and accept situations beyond your control. Life is full of aspects we can't influence, so why stress about them? Embrace acceptance and learn to live with what you can't change.

Our contemporary brains have become complacent, with most tasks automated, reducing the need for memory. However, cognitive decline is a definite possibility if we don't exercise our brains. Aim to practice cognitive exercises daily for just 5-10 minutes, stimulating all areas of the brain.

Understanding Psychological Implications

Dementia encompasses various forms, with vascular and neurodegenerative being the main ones. In neurodegenerative dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, a common inner state among patients is high anxiety and self-blame. They struggle to find peace, a state that causes their brains to remain active even at night, hindering their ability to rest.

Dementia can also be the consequence of trauma, stroke, and other diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact according to neurologist, Victoria Mestnikova.zenia, we see the effects of the disease itself, restrictions, and isolation. This has affected the cognitive sphere, particularly for the elderly, as communication is essential, especially for those in their golden years.

If you notice signs of forgetfulness, depression, or other cognitive changes, consult a therapist to rule out anemia or vitamin deficiencies. The therapist will refer you to a neurologist, followed by a possible referral to the Memory Clinic, if necessary. A geriatrician can also make such a referral.

Managing the High Patient Flow

The Memory Clinic at Republican Clinical Hospital No.3, opened in 2020, is a bustling hub treating the increasing number of age-related diseases. Due to the influx of patients, there's a waiting list.

Evaluations and testing take place during the morning appointments, assessing attention, spatial thinking, memory, orientation, and abstract thinking. Following the medical examination (which includes blood tests, MRI, EEG, and ultrasound) and psychologist's consultation, patients are divided into groups according to age and cognitive reserve. Group activities, aimed at fostering new neural connections, are held once a week for two months.

Supporting the Entire Family

Family is crucial in supporting dementia patients, but the journey can be stressful. Natalia Ivanova, the clinical psychologist, has a group for relatives, offering psychological support to help them understand the disease and its impact.

Online support groups offer solace to caregivers, where they can share their experiences, learn from each other, and realize they're not alone in their struggles. Moreover, a residential care unit is available for severe patients, providing temporary relief for families.

Empowering Through Education

The Memory Clinic at Republican Clinical Hospital No.3 operates the "LongLive" project, aiming to maintain the quality of life of incurable patients at its peak. The project includes palliative counseling for patients and Care School for their relatives.

Preventive lectures are held periodically, focusing on lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of dementia and other diseases. These lectures are open to everyone, and updates can be found on the hospital's website and social media platforms.

To sign up for cognitive sessions or for more information, contact 8-914-247-44-01. Take care of yourself and stay healthy!

Battling Dementia: Top Tips for a Healthier Brain

While research and expert opinions about the prevention of dementia are continually evolving, certain strategies have emerged as promising in reducing the risk of developing dementia at a younger age. Below are helpful suggestions based on the latest studies and insights.

Foster a Healthy Lifestyle

  1. Physical Activity: Engage in regular aerobic exercises for at least 30 minutes per day to promote cardiovascular health and boost cognitive function[2][5].
  2. Balanced Diet: Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean diet, which can help lower vascular risk factors associated with dementia[2][5].
  3. Mental Stimulation: Engage in mentally challenging activities, like reading, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments or strategic games, to enhance cognitive reserve[5].
  4. Social Engagement: Maintaining strong social connections and participating in social activities can support mental health and reduce stress[5].
  5. Sleep and Relaxation: Ensure adequate sleep and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises[5].

Manage Health Conditions

  1. Control Chronic Conditions: Lower your risk by managing blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels[5].
  2. Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: These habits are linked to increased dementia risk[5].
  3. Regular Health Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups can help identify and manage risk factors early[5].

Stay Informed and Proactive

  1. Vision Care: Research suggests that taking care of vision can help reduce dementia risk factors[4].
  2. Genetic and Family History Awareness: While you can't alter your genetic predisposition, being cognizant of your family history can motivate you to adopt preventive measures[1].

In summary, while there's no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities can significantly lower the risk of developing dementia at a younger age.

  • stay informed and proactive about dementia by understanding your genetic and family history;
  • take care of your vision to potentially reduce dementia risk factors;
  • be cognizant of the importance of physical activity in promoting cardiovascular health and boosting cognitive function;
  • adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean diet, to lower vascular risk factors associated with dementia;
  • engage in mentally challenging activities like reading, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments or strategic games to enhance cognitive reserve;
  • maintain strong social connections and participate in social activities to support mental health and reduce stress;
  • ensure adequate sleep and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises;
  • manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels to lower your risk;
  • avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which are linked to increased dementia risk;
  • schedule regular medical check-ups to identify and manage risk factors early;
  • mental health, especially acceptance and learning to live with what you can't change, is vital after 40 to prevent cognitive decline caused by stress;
  • cognitive decline is a possibility if we don't exercise our brains daily, stimulating all areas of the brain for just 5-10 minutes;
  • dementia victims struggling with high anxiety and self-blame can find peace and rest better if they can address and overcome these inner states;
  • the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects, including isolation and restriction, have negatively impacted cognitive spheres, particularly for the elderly;
  • if you notice signs of forgetfulness, depression, or other cognitive changes, consult a therapist to rule out conditions such as anemia or vitamin deficiencies;
  • neurological disorders, such as neurodegenerative dementia like Alzheimer's disease, play a significant role in causing dementia;
  • overwork and stress can have detrimental effects on the brain.

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