Better Health 25 Eng

the presence of certain diseases known to cause dementia.
To ensure diagnostic accuracy, the doctor may conduct
further tests; brain scans, neurological evaluations and
neuropsychological tests are used to confirm whether or not
the patient has dementia, and if so, whether it is reversible.
“It is very important to identify the type of dementia and
its underlying causes,” says Dr. Ketchai. “Doctors need to be
sure to leave nothing out, so the patient won’t miss an opportunity
to treat the diseases contributing to the dementia.”
“By way of example, a relative brought their family
member to see me about memory problems. After asking
some questions, it was apparent that the patient was normal
until the few days before we met, when suddenly he became
unable to recognize family members. This didn’t match the
profile of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s, but it fit the profile
of secondary dementia caused by stroke. Based on that, by
treating the stroke first, brain function might eventually return.”
Leading cause: Alzheimer’s
After ruling out other treatable causes, the next diagnostic
step involves identifying the specific brain disorder causing
the dementia, and then determining the best course of
treatment such as medication.
By far the most common cause of irreversible dementia
is Alzheimer’s disease; it accounts for about 60 to 80 percent
of all cases of dementia. Typically, symptoms of Alzheimer’s
only become apparent around the age of 60 to 65. [Cases
of earlier onset Alzheimer’s are rare and can usually be
traced to gene mutations.]
“Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be caused by the buildup
of plaque in the brain which interferes with brain cell
connections,” Dr. Ketchai explains. “The cells die or lose
control over functions such as memory, perception, behavior,
and cognitive and language skills.”
Maintaining good brain health
T
hough some cases of dementia cannot be prevented,
most people can reduce their dementia risk by
incorporating these brain-healthy habits into their daily
lifestyle:
Maintain a healthy weight; obesity causes a number of
chronic conditions that lead to dementia;
Make brain-healthy food and supplement choices,
including omega-3 in the form of DHA, which helps
protect nerve cells;
Be sure to get enough sleep every night;
Stay socially active and keep contact with family
and friends;
Learn new things and do something different, e.g.
practice using your other hand during meals;
Do 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least four times
a week.
Courtesy of Sallaya Kongsomboonvej, a US board-certified dietician
at the Vitallife Wellness Center.
“
Earlier detection of Alzheimer’s
disease and progressive dementia
can slow disease progression
while allowing patients and
caregivers to maintain
a better quality of life.”
Dr. Ketchai Suavansri
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease categorized in
three stages:
Mild/Early stage Frequent recent memory loss,
particularly involving recent conversations and events.
Depression and apathy may occur and may be accom-
panied by mood swings as patients start to notice their
own symptoms. “At this first stage, the caregiver may
not know how best to deal with the situation,” says
Dr. Ketchai. “It’s fine to remind the patient once or twice
if they forget something or their speech rambles on. But
don’t pressure the patient to the point where they suffer
stress which can lead to depression.”
Moderate/Middle stage Symptoms have become more
noticeable, making it impossible for the patient to cover
up the problem. Patients may fail to recognize their
spouse and family members. Mood and behavioral
changes are usually seen. “At this stage, patients have
become more dependent with everyday activities,”
Dr. Ketchai notes. “Pay close attention to the patient’s
safety; watch them when they go outside and restrict
access to dangerous objects such as knives and fire
sources.”
Severe/Late stage Symptoms have worsened, with the
patient gradually losing ability to remember, communicate,
move around or care for himself. “The patient’s health
continues to decline,” adds Dr. Ketchai. “The patient
cannot be left alone.” Brain cell decline reaches extensive
levels, causing grave damage to brain function. The
patient’s condition continues weakening, putting them
at serious risk for malnutrition and infections, some
potentially fatal.
Alzheimer’s disease remains incurable at the moment,
and current treatments are only able to slow the speed of
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