DEMENTIA
1. Context
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open (JAMA) reveals concerning trends among older Americans facing dementia or mild cognitive decline. One in four of these individuals live alone, exposing them to various risks such as unsafe driving, wandering, medication confusion, and missed medical appointments.
2. About Dementia
- Dementia is a broad term used to describe a set of cognitive impairments that significantly interfere with an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and maintain independence.
- It is not a specific disease, but rather a syndrome caused by various underlying conditions, the most common being Alzheimer’s disease.
- Dementia progresses gradually making it tough for people to recall information and complete tasks they used to manage effortlessly.
- It often requires increasing support and care from loved ones or caregivers.
- Globally, dementia affects over 55 million people, ranking as the seventh leading cause of death and a major cause of disability among the elderly.
3. Problems faced by people living with dementia
- Researchers from UC San Francisco emphasize that older adults with cognitive impairment living alone often slip through gaps in a healthcare system heavily reliant on unpaid caregivers and limited access to home-care aides.
- This predicament stems from social factors, contributing to negative health consequences for this demographic.
- Living alone deprives the brain of essential sensory input, impacting language, emotions, social adaptability, and memory.
- Reduced social interactions, limited language use, and diminished participation in social events contribute to cognitive decline.
- Social isolation is just one risk factor for dementia. Increasing age, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking, vascular diseases, and physical inactivity also contribute to the development of dementia.
- Dementia presents various challenges, including memory loss, confusion, trouble concentrating, personality shifts, withdrawal from loved ones, depression, anxiety, communication difficulties, and mobility issues.
- Caregivers play a crucial role, in facing frustration, anger, and burnout.
4. Tips for Caregivers
- Learn about the specific type of dementia and its progression.
- Maintain a calm demeanour, listen attentively, and validate emotions.
- Foster autonomy and respect personal preferences.
- Establish predictable routines to reduce confusion.
- Keep cherished items for comfort and familiarity.
- Implement reminders for medication schedules.
- Create a safe environment to prevent accidents.
- Use sturdy equipment and communicate each step during bathing.
- Prioritize caregiver well-being to avoid burnout.
- Seek support from healthcare professionals for medical and psychological needs.
5. Conclusion
Dementia is a challenging condition for both the person affected and their loved ones. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia. By following the tips above, caregivers can provide better support for their loved ones and help them live their lives to the fullest.
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For Prelims: Dementia, Journal of the American Medical Association, cognitive decline, Alzheimer's, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking, vascular diseases,
For Mains:
1. Define dementia and explain its causes and symptoms. Explain the challenges faced by people living with dementia and their caregivers. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. The most important type of dementia is- (UPPSC Staff Nurse 2017)
A. Pick's disease B. Parkinson's disease C. Alzheimer's disease D. Tick's disease Answer: C
2. ‘Diabetes’ is related to ‘Blood Sugar’ in the same way as ‘Hypertension’ is related to ‘______’. (SSC CGL 2020)
A. Red Blood Cells B. Heart C. Blood Pressure D. Body Cells
Answer: C
3. All are risk factors for Hypertension except (MP NHM CHO 2019)
A. Obesity B. Family History C. Contaminated water D. Smoking
Answer: C
4. What is not true about Hypertension (MP NHM CHO 2019)
A. Occurs in urban population
B. Normally affects people above 30 years of age
C. Cannot be cured permanently by antihypertensive drugs
D. 90-150 is not the correct range for systolic BP
Answer: A
Comprehension
Instruction for passage: Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer from the given alternatives.
Smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death worldwide. It is killing about 2200 people in India every day which means one every forty seconds. It is alarming that in spite of this smoking is increasing among the youth of India. According to a World Bank study India, Indonesia and China are the only countries in the world where the incidence of smoking is going up. It is increasing not only in cities but also in towns and villages. Higher education groups are also taking to smoking more readily. Since smoking enjoys social acceptance. It is easy to get cigarettes. What starts as an experiment, soon turns into a habit. It is difficult to give up smoking because, unlike other drugs, the craving for it is immediate. Nicotine in cigarettes brings structural changes to the brain. Its non-availability can cause symptoms of agitation. Smoking also has a strong associational aspect. People smoke while reading, after meals, or with a cup of coffee.
It is difficult to give up smoking because: (Soldier Clerk 2021)
A. It can't be remedied
B. Craving for a cigarette is immediate
C. Its lust does not spare one
D. It is a tough job
Answer: B
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Source: The Hindu
