Studies have shown that nearly 1.2 million French people suffer from dementia. A neuroscientist expert reveals the beginnings of this disease.
Dementia, everything you need to know about this disease
According to the WHO (World Health Organization) explanation, dementia is a chronic or progressive syndrome. It is observed during a greater deterioration in cognitive function compared to normal aging. Moreover, according to figures from Public Health France, about 1.2 million people were diagnosed with this disease in 2014.
It seems to be one of the factors that cause the loss of autonomy. The most cited is therefore Alzheimer’s disease. To get to know the first signs of dementia, as well as the symptoms of this disease, Professor Hana Burianova, neuroscientist at the University of Bournemouth, lists the five symptoms to be taken into account.
According to this expert, in the early twenties, the human brain begins to age. Therefore, in order to prevent this situation from degenerating, moreover to keep the brain active, it would be better to adopt a good living condition. This includes a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, having a social life and above all getting into sports.
The five warning signs of the development of dementia
With advancing age, neural connections deteriorate. Indeed, it can happen that the neurons in charge of transmitting messages in the brain die. This situation is thought to be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
As a result, a person with dementia shows changes in character and behavior.
Among the symptoms to look out for:
Short-term memory loss
Dementia always begins with short-term memory loss. Besides, this failure can be observed in everyday events.
For example, a sick person may get lost in a place they know perfectly well or forget conversations they have just had.
Repetition
The second sign of dementia can be seen whena person who suffers from it repeats the same information several times without realizing it.
This is particularly the case of an Alzheimer’s patient.
Mood changes
This is the third hallmark of dementia. Often, patients feel depressed and anxious.
In the case of frontotemporal dementia, symptoms may be accompanied by memory loss and intestinal disturbances.
Language disorders
One of the signs of aphasia is language impairment the person finds it difficult to speak and understand a simple discussion.
Indeed, the communication disorder can reveal frontotemporal dementia or FTD.
personality changes
When a person radically changes his personality, his health must be closely monitored if it is not dementia.
Moreover, obsessive-compulsive disorders or signs of aggression and anxiety should not be overlooked.