Dealing with dementia: Recent forum in Melbourne sheds light on different aspects
It’s a word at the tip of many a tongue but one few care to address: dementia, a rising spectre in the modern world causing concern especially among ageing populations worldwide. As individuals transition into caregivers of loved ones displaying symptoms, the impact of this condition becomes more apparent.
Sithy Marikar
Recently, a forum on dementia organised by the United Sri Lankan Muslim Association of Australia Inc. Seniors, in collaboration with the City of Monash, Melbourne, attracted over a hundred attendees, including members from various Sri Lankan and other Asian Australian communities. Sithy Marikar, USMAA Seniors Chairperson, emphasised that dementia does not discriminate based on religion or race during her welcoming address.
The speakers, clinical neuropsychologists, Dr. Indranath Kavi Jayasinghe and Dr. Mathew Staios, shed light on dementia as a collective term encompassing various symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases affecting mood, cognition, physical health, and behaviour. With over 100 forms of dementia recognised by the World Health Organization, they highlighted prevalent types such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, Vascular, and Mixed Dementia, each impacting different aspects of brain function and behaviour.
Dementia’s effects on memory, mood, cognition, and social skills are distinct from normal aging, progressively hindering daily activities and communication. The condition typically advances through early, middle, and late stages, manifesting initially as forgetfulness and disorientation, leading to personality changes, aggression, and apathy as it worsens and ultimately leaves the individual helpless.
Different forms of dementia target specific brain regions, resulting in varied symptoms. For instance, vascular dementia affects connective tissues in the brain’s central area, impacting overall cognitive function, while Lewy Body dementia affects movement and executive functions, causing tremors and hallucinations. Frontotemporal dementia appears in younger people transforming personality, social behaviour and speech. It can change a loving individual into one who lacks empathy. Executive functioning skills such as planning, organising and strategizing are affected. Mixed dementia is about having more than one type, for example, Vascular and Alzheimer’s, and so is more debilitating than other types.
Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form, affecting 60 to 80 percent of people with dementia. Dr. Jayasinghe explained how abnormal proteins build up in the temporal and parietal lobes of the brain where executive functioning and memory occur, disrupting communication between nerve cells and causing some cells to die. The fallout is loss of short- and long-term memory, confusion, personality and behaviour changes and mobility issues. Alzheimer’s Disease can be hereditary and while it tends to appear after the age of 65, it is most prevalent among those over 85, affecting 50 percent of the group.
Dr. Jayasinghe described the brain as a complex instrument with different parts performing different functions. “That’s really what dementia is about – different parts of the brain being affected, impacting thinking skills,” he said.
While there is no definitive cure for dementia, there are strategies to reduce risks and manage symptoms. Dr. Jayasinghe emphasizes that many risk factors are controllable. Lifestyle factors contributing to dementia include physical inactivity, social isolation, poor diet leading to obesity, alcohol abuse, smoking, psychological stress, and exposure to air pollution from sources like agriculture and wildfires. Psychological stress and hearing loss are also linked to dementia, underscoring the importance of early detection of hearing issues. Medical conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension are additional risk factors. While genetics can play a role, dementia often develops independently.
Dr. Staios highlighted the importance of culturally relevant diagnostic assessments, cautioning against using tests designed for specific populations on culturally diverse individuals.
Dr. Jayasinghe stressed the need to address cultural stigma surrounding dementia, advocating for acceptance and support instead of barriers. Cultures that treat dementia as taboo are doing patients a disservice. “If we live long enough, it’s almost guaranteed we will get some level of dementia. Just as with the body, it is the same with the brain; the longer we live, the more can go wrong,” he said, stressing acceptance over rejection.
Early detection offers a better quality of life. Lifestyle adjustments, home modifications, and cognitive therapies can delay progression and enhance well-being for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Support strategies may include medication to improve cognition, manage mood, anxiety, and sleep disruptions, as well as therapies like cognitive, occupational, physical, and psychological interventions to maintain independence and functional abilities. For example, speech therapy can aid with communication and swallowing challenges, while exercise and physiotherapy promote physical activity and rehabilitation for a safer living environment. Cognitive therapies can assist individuals in reclaiming lost abilities by utilizing strategies such as lists and notice boards to enhance independence. Occupational therapy aids in maintaining daily routines, while exercise and physiotherapy support physical activity. Physical rehabilitation helps individuals return to a safe and functional environment designed to keep the individual safe.
Despite the daunting outlook, there is hope as many dementia risk factors are manageable. While dementia is incurable, its progression can be delayed, and in some cases, prevented.
Here are some simple yet effective protective measures:
- Maintain a healthy diet based on your cultural preferences, such as the Greek Mediterranean diet, ayurvedic diets rich in legumes, whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits.
- Stay physically active through activities like walking, swimming, or regular gym visits.
- Quit smoking and moderate alcohol consumption.
- Education plays a crucial role, as individuals with higher education levels tend to engage more cognitive brain resources.
- Foster social connections with family, friends, and community.
- Reduce stress factors as much as possible.
- Get a good night’s sleep, and cat nap in the afternoon if possible.
- Keep your brain sharp by solving puzzles or engaging in mentally stimulating activities.
- Read something new out loud each day as this activates many sections of the brain.
- Avoid activities such as sports with high risk of head injuries.
- Avoid living in places where there is high air pollution.
The doctors’ presentations were followed by a lively Q&A session. The forum included a YouTube screening of line-dancing by retired nurse and dance teacher Shanthie De Mel who offers dance therapy for people with dementia, and a talk on how to make the best use of dementia support services by Alba Chilakhtine of Multicultural Women Victoria.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 9.9 million individuals develop dementia annually, equating to a new case every three seconds. The 60 percent of these cases are in low and middle-income countries like Sri Lanka, where WHO predicts 71 percent of new cases will arise. It is estimated that more than 153 million people could have dementia worldwide by 2050, of them almost half a million will be living in Sri Lanka.
For more detailed information on the forum, click on: https://youtu.be/nA9zjFuvjxs?si=xqotrQeAnf9_6Af2
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.