Question

1. Identify the key features of dementia and describe the underlying changes in the brain that drive these changes.

2. Describe the key steps individuals can take to prevent cognitive decline.

3. Describe the importance of “Fewer Dementia Cases Over Time”. What’s driving the trend and what implications does it hold for population health?

Answer 1

Features of dementia

Memory loss, decreased concentration, increased confusion, mood and behavior changes, loss of ability to do daily task, depression, disorientation, impaired judgement, poor spatial skills and challenge in solving problem and planning.

Dementias can be caused by brain cell death, and neurodegenerative disease brain cell death happens over time is associated with most dementias. Death is seen in Alzheimer's which is most common cause of dementia .

Cell death also occur from cerebrovascular disease in which brain is deprived of oxygen and so cell destruction takes place .

Eventually due to this neurons are affected and connection between neurons breakdown leading to dementia due to lack of communication between neuron which leads to various features.

Sometime abnormal structure are seen in brain like lewy bodies

Steps to prevent cognitive decline

1 - daily exercise has proved to reduce this risk of congnitive decline

2- good quality of sleep

3 - moderate consumption of alcohol

4- maintain healthy social interaction

Over time cases of dementia are reducing worldwide in usa yearly 1 - 2 % cases are decreasing

Factors responsible for it are

- Early diagnosis to promote management

- increased awareness in people about health, congition and well being

- increased medical support and technology for patient

As dementia is a major public health challenge especially in old age , decrease cases due to awareness is a positive sign toward public health