"Forgetting" is a common occurrence among the elderly that should not be taken lightly, by Dr. Phanphat Prapapananchai, a specialist in geriatric medicine at PatRangsit Hospital.
Episodes of confusion and forgetfulness often occur, especially in older people. Sometimes we might dismiss it as a normal part of aging. However, as we age, these experiences can happen to anyone. For example, forgetting what we had for breakfast, not remembering where we placed an item, or not being able to find our glasses even though we thought they were on our head. These incidents can happen to anyone, but if they occur frequently and severely, impacting daily functioning or causing significant disruptions, it is not something that should be overlooked.
Many people mistakenly believe that episodes of confusion and forgetfulness are always signs of dementia. However, dementia is just one of the common conditions in the group of neurodegenerative diseases. Dementia refers to a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, behavior, and personality that is not present from birth and affects daily functioning. It becomes more prevalent with age, affecting around 5% of the population over the age of 65 and 20% of those over 80.
Other causes of cognitive decline include:
Stroke or brain hemorrhage
Infections in the brain
Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as vitamin B1, B12, or folate
Brain tumors, especially in the frontal lobe
Recurring head injuries, such as in boxing, or abnormal thyroid hormone function
Chronic inflammation of brain blood vessels
Toxic substances or heavy metals
Hydrocephalus (enlarged brain ventricles)
So, when should we become aware that it might be Alzheimer's disease? Let's consider the following:
Episodes of misplacing or forgetting personal belongings, missing appointments, or not remembering recent events.
Confusion about time, place, or familiar routes to familiar locations, or difficulty finding the way home.
Forgetting people previously known, such as friends or family members, and mistaking them for strangers.
Forgetting names or repeatedly using the same name for different things.
Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities, daily routines, or being indifferent towards things they used to like.
Difficulty using the phone, not remembering how to dial, struggling with buttons, or buttoning a shirt.
Mood changes, wandering away from home, having a blank expression, or rarely smiling.
Neglecting personal hygiene, such as not brushing teeth or bathing.
If an elderly family member experiences any of these symptoms, it could be an indication of Alzheimer's disease or other health problems. It is recommended to consult a geriatrician or neurologist for a thorough examination and further treatment.
As for brain-boosting tips, here are some dietary recommendations:
Eggs, which are rich in easily digestible protein and contain lecithin, aiding in nerve function.
Milk, which contains certain proteins that increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, promoting alertness and vitality.
Seafood, particularly fish high in selenium and iodine, such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring. These fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA), which are essential for brain health.
Brown rice, which is rich in folate, expands red blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the brain. Brown rice is also found in whole wheat bread and whole grain rice.
Almonds, which are high in magnesium, enhance blood circulation and improve the flow of blood to the brain. Almonds are also a good source of vitamin B2, which improves memory.
Strawberries, blueberries, and avocados contain antioxidants that protect against free radicals that damage brain cells.
Eggplant, the skin of which contains nasunin, aids in the production of neurotransmitters.
It is important to avoid foods high in saturated fats, fried foods, chicken skin, pork, and foods high in trans fats, as they are detrimental to brain blood vessels.
Regular exercise and managing underlying health conditions, especially high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular heart rhythm, valve leaks, and high blood lipid levels, are essential for maintaining brain health.
These tips, in conjunction with seeking medical advice, can help promote cognitive well-being in older individuals.
Parkinson's disease is a condition that arises from brain cells in the part responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine, which plays a crucial role in controlling body movements, deteriorating to the point where it can no longer produce this substance. As a result, abnormal movements occur in the body. This disease is most commonly found in individuals aged 65-80 years, with men being more susceptible than women, approximately 1.5 times more likely. The progression of the disease is slow, and patients show more noticeable changes over time.
Causes of Parkinson's Disease:
Aging of the brain: A decrease in brain cells that produce dopamine (located in the substantia nigra, a group of dark-colored nerve cells in the central part of the brain that play a significant role in regulating movement) is most commonly observed in individuals aged 65 years and older. This group is considered to have no specific identifiable cause. Additionally, it is the most frequently encountered group.
Neuroleptic or sleep-inducing medications that inhibit or suppress the production of dopamine. However, there are currently newer medications available with fewer side effects, such as calcium channel blockers and anti-vertigo medications.
Blockage of blood vessels in the brain leading to a reduced amount or absence of dopamine-producing brain cells.
Brain-toxic substances, including manganese, insecticides, carbon monoxide, and others.
Brain oxygen deprivation, which can occur during near-drowning incidents, strangulation, or obstruction of the respiratory passages by phlegm or food.
Head trauma or injury that affects the head and brain, as seen in boxing injuries.
Brain inflammation.
Genetic disorders such as Wilson's disease, which involves both liver dysfunction and brain abnormalities due to an excessive buildup of copper in the liver and brain.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease:
Tremors: Tremors are typically the initial symptoms of the disease, affecting approximately 60-70% of patients. Resting tremors, occurring mainly when the body is at rest, are particularly pronounced (4-8 times per second). However, the tremors may decrease or disappear when the person is in motion or performing activities. Tremors are most commonly observed in the hands and feet, although they can also occur in the chin or tongue. Tremors are rarely observed in the head.
Rigidity: Patients experience muscle stiffness and difficulty moving their muscles smoothly, often characterized by jerky movements, especially in the arms, legs, and torso, even when they are not actively moving or exerting effort.
Bradykinesia: Patients exhibit slow movements, taking longer than usual to perform tasks. Some individuals may fall due to difficulties with movement, resulting in accidents such as hip fractures or knee injuries.
Abnormal gait: Patients display distinctive abnormal walking patterns, including short shuffling steps initially, followed by progressively longer and faster steps, sometimes unable to stop immediately. The likelihood of falling forward is high. In addition, patients may exhibit a stooped posture, body tilting, arms not swinging, hands close to the body, or a rigid, robot-like gait.
Facial expression: The faces of patients appear expressionless, resembling a masked face. Their mouths may exhibit minimal movement when speaking.
Speech: Patients speak softly, indistinctly, with a hoarse or muffled voice at a consistent volume.
Handwriting: Patients have difficulty writing, and their handwriting gradually becomes smaller and illegible.
Treatment for Parkinson's Disease includes three main approaches:
Medication: Although medication cannot regenerate or replace the brain cells that have died, it can help maintain an adequate level of dopamine in the brain. Currently, the primary medications used are levodopa and dopamine agonists.
Physical therapy: The goal of physical therapy is to help patients return to a life as close as possible to that of a normal individual. It involves exercises to improve walking, such as placing the entire foot on the ground and swinging the arms while walking to assist with balance. It also includes practicing lying down, changing positions, and adopting appropriate postures, as well as speech exercises.
Surgery: Surgery is mainly performed on patients of younger age and with mild symptoms or those experiencing complications from long-term medication use, such as severe tremors or abnormal movements in the arms and legs. Deep brain stimulation, which involves implanting electrodes to stimulate the brain, is commonly used.
Patients with Parkinson's disease require attentive care and support from their loved ones to facilitate physical recovery and maintain their emotional well-being. If you have someone close to you with this condition, it is advisable to seek medical advice for an accurate diagnosis, leading to appropriate and suitable treatment.
