Assist the old and wise

Ravikiran Gadad
May 3
2 min read

Updated: May 17

What is it?

Dementia is a group of conditions that cause progressive decline in cognitive functions like memory, reasoning, language, and daily functioning. It is not a normal part of aging and affects a person's ability to live independently. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, followed by vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementias.

Prevalence and statistics

Over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia (WHO, 2023).
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60–70% of all dementia cases.
1 in 9 people aged 65 and older has dementia.
Women are at higher risk, partly due to longer life expectancy.
Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependency among older adults globally.
>50% suffer from poor nutrition, which leads to complications and delayed healing

How to identify?

Emotional signs –

• Mood swings, anxiety, or apathy

• Irritability or sadness, especially in early stages

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

Physical signs –

• Difficulty with coordination and motor tasks in later stages

• Poor hygiene or self-care due to forgetfulness

• Sleep disturbances and appetite changes

Behavioural signs –

• Repetitive questioning or storytelling

• Getting lost in familiar places

• Withdrawal from social and work activities

Cognitive signs –

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life

• Difficulty with planning, problem-solving, or judgment

• Confusion about time, place, or people

Common Types of Dementia:

Alzheimer’s Disease – Gradual memory loss, language problems, disorientation
Vascular Dementia – Cognitive decline due to stroke or impaired blood flow
Lewy Body Dementia – Memory loss with hallucinations, motor symptoms, and sleep issues
Frontotemporal Dementia – Affects personality, behavior, and language
Mixed Dementia – Combination of two or more types (commonly Alzheimer’s + vascular)