As I get older, there is a particular health concern that worries me more than anything.

Dementia is a condition that occurs as cognitive functions of the brain decline. It is one of the diseases that garners high interest because it affects not only the individual but also those around them. In severe cases, daily life can easily fall apart. During the Chuseok holiday, when the whole family gathers, and if you haven't seen your parents in a long time, be sure to observe carefully.

 

Recently, dementia such as alcohol-related dementia and early-onset dementia has become a concern even for young people. Many people identify memory decline as a hallmark symptom of dementia. However, it is difficult to determine whether this memory decline is truly an early sign of dementia or simply due to poor memory. How can we distinguish between memory impairment caused by dementia and forgetfulness?

The key point to distinguish between the two is that dementia, unlike forgetfulness, causes various mental function impairments such as language, spatial and temporal awareness, and judgment, in addition to memory decline. Therefore, in the case of typical forgetfulness, other functions besides memory remain normal, so it does not have a long-term impact on daily life. On the other hand, dementia significantly affects daily life, such as experiencing language difficulties or getting lost.

 

In the case of forgetfulness, people can recall information when given hints about what they are trying to remember, but in the case of dementia, many people cannot remember even when shown hints.

 

Changes in personality and emotions can also manifest as symptoms of dementia. For example, a person who was once passionate may start to handle tasks carelessly, or someone who was always cheerful may become depressed. Such emotional changes can lead to sleep disturbances or be accompanied by depression.

 

Some types of dementia can return to a normal state if treated properly. Even if full recovery is not possible, the progression of brain function decline can be slowed. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for dementia. To diagnose dementia, neuropsychological tests are used to assess cognitive abilities, and if dementia is suspected, detailed examinations are conducted. Once diagnosed with dementia, tests such as blood tests and MRI are performed to identify the cause.

 

To prevent dementia in everyday life, it is good to engage in activities that stimulate the brain. Hobbies are beneficial, and simple games that require thinking or reading and writing are effective. Dr. Seo Eun-joo, a radiologist at the Korea Health Management Association Health Promotion Clinic, Jeonbuk Branch, advised, "It is better to avoid excessive drinking and smoking, and maintaining healthy eating habits and regular exercise also helps. Lack of sleep can also impair memory, so it is advisable to get enough rest."

 

 

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Forgetfulness - Since other aspects besides memory are normal, it does not have a long-term impact on daily life.

Dementia - it causes language impairments or getting lost, significantly affecting daily life.

 

I think it's just a habit of forgetting.

I could just pass by.

 

When a common event becomes scarce: forgetfulness

If you forget even that incident completely: dementia