Dementia is a general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life. Medically, it refers to a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, reasoning and social abilities.
Although Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, Cimas Health Group's Tafadzwa Mungiria explained that it is not the only one.
“Alzheimer's disease is a specific condition that falls under the general term dementia and not all dementia cases are Alzheimer's. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and frontotemporal dementia.
“Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often after strokes. Lewy body dementia involves abnormal protein deposits in the brain and can cause hallucinations and movement issues.
“Frontotemporal dementia affects personality and behaviour more than memory. Each type has distinct symptoms and progression patterns,” Mungiria added.
He explained that dementia is not a normal part of aging. Although some memory decline is expected with age, dementia involves significant cognitive impairment, hence it is classified as a disease, he added.
“Dementia slowly deteriorates memory, language skills, problem solving abilities, attention span and decision making. As it advances, people might find it difficult to perform simple tasks, may fail to identify family members and undergo alterations in personality.
“Causes include build - up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles if you have Alzheimer’s, stroke or chronic blood vessel damage if you have vascular dementia and protein deposits called Lewy bodies if you are diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. Other causes include head trauma, infections or neurodegenerative diseases,” he added.
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Muringai went on to say certain genes, such as APOE-e4, increase Alzheimer’s risk. However, having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee dementia but interacts with lifestyle and environmental factors, he added.
He further explained that cardiovascular health issues, such as high blood pressure or stroke, contribute to dementia risk.
“Chronic high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced blood flow and microbleeds. Over time, this can cause brain tissue damage and impair memory, attention, and decision making.
“A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or interrupted. This can kill brain cells and leave lasting damage. People who have had one or more strokes are at a significantly higher risk of developing vascular dementia. It is therefore crucial to manage blood pressure and cholesterol for brain health,” he said.
Mungiria highlighted that lifestyle factors that include smoking, diet and alcohol use are associated with increased dementia risk.
“Smoking, excessive alcohol, poor diet and lack of exercise all raise dementia risk. These habits contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular damage in the brain.
“Environmental or occupational exposures that may play a role in cognitive decline include long term exposure to air pollution, heavy metals, pesticides and certain industrial chemicals. Occupational hazards in mining, agriculture or manufacturing should be monitored,” he added.
Early warning signs of dementia that people should watch for, Mungiria said, include memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, confusion with time or place, trouble following conversations, mood or personality changes and misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.
“Diagnosis of dementia involves finding out the medical history and conducting a physical examination of the patient. Other methods include cognitive tests, brain imaging, blood tests to rule out other causes. A psychiatric evaluation can be done if needed.
“There is a difference between dementia and other conditions such as depression, delirium or vitamin deficiencies.
“Depression and delirium can mimic dementia but are usually reversible. Blood tests can detect vitamin B12 deficiency or thyroid issues. A thorough assessment helps differentiate these conditions,” he said.
Mungiria recommended that people should seek medical advice immediately if they notice memory or behavioural changes.
“Early evaluation can identify treatable causes and allow for timely intervention. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
“Early detection of dementia is not merely beneficial but life changing. Identifying the condition early enables prompt medical treatment, lifestyle modifications and emotional readiness, all of which can enhance life quality and reduce cognitive deterioration.
“To reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life, stay mentally active. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, control blood pressure and diabetes, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol and stay socially connected
“Lifestyle interventions such as exercise, mental stimulation and social engagement are highly effective. These activities promote brain plasticity, reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health, all of which are protective against dementia.
“Diets or nutritional approaches that support cognitive health include the Mediterranean and dietary approaches to stop hypertension diets. They are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and healthy fats which are linked to better brain health. Limit sugar, processed foods and saturated fats,” he added.
Mungiria advised that sleep plays an important role in brain health and dementia prevention, saying sleep helps clear toxins from the brain.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Cimas iGo wellness programme, which is designed to promote good health. It is provided for general information only and should not be construed as medical advice. Readers should consult their doctor or clinic on any matter related to their health or the treatment of any health problem. To contact the iGo team, email igo@cimas.co.zw or WhatsApp 0772 161 829 or phone 024-27730663.
