Today, I received a call about people who have not returned home after going out. Many of them have impaired cognitive abilities. When dementia develops, they tend to forget familiar routes. Among these individuals, there are people in their 50s, and even in their 40s. They are not elderly, yet I am surprised, thinking, "Already dementia?" Recently, the number of people experiencing early-onset dementia has been increasing. Let's learn more about dementia.

 

Increase in dementia patients in their 40s and 50s... Families also experience a great shock

Recently, there has been an increase in dementia patients in their 40s and 50s. Dementia that occurs at a relatively young age, before the age of 65, which is the standard for the elderly, is called "early-onset dementia." According to data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of 2021, early-onset dementia patients in Korea account for about 8% of all dementia patients. The number of patients increased from 17,772 in 2009 to 63,231 in 2019, a 3.6-fold increase over ten years. If dementia appears in people in their 40s and 50s, it will be a shock not only to the patients but also to their families. Their quality of life drops sharply.

There is a separate gene for early-onset dementia... progression is faster, which is problematic.

 

Early-onset dementia progresses more rapidly. There are specific genetic causes that lead to dementia. A new pathogenic mutation (p.Asp40Gly) has been discovered in a type of aphasia characterized by difficulty remembering names and other information, as well as an inability to understand spoken or written words. This can lead to cognitive decline, memory loss, language impairments, and movement problems. It appears necessary to shift focus from managing primarily age-related dementia to also emphasizing prevention and management of early-onset dementia.

 

Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, alcohol-related dementia... Regular brain vessel management is important.

 

The causes of dementia are diverse. Alzheimer's disease accounts for the majority, approximately 65-70%. It is a degenerative neurological disease characterized by the gradual death of brain nerve cells due to the accumulation of amyloid beta proteins and other substances in the brain. The second most common cause is vascular dementia, which results from the aftermath of strokes (ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage), and it has been increasing rapidly recently. Proper management of cerebrovascular health can sufficiently prevent strokes. It is advisable to prevent underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, and to reduce high-calorie, high-fat, and high-carbohydrate foods, as well as smoking, and to engage in regular exercise. Alcoholic dementia caused by excessive drinking can also be prevented through alcohol moderation and abstinence.

 

What is good for preventing dementia in daily life?

 

Recent research findings frequently indicate that preventing depression and hearing loss is important for dementia prevention. Interacting frequently with friends and neighbors, and using hearing aids if you have hearing loss, are recommended. Regular physical activity and exercise also help. To maintain cognitive function, studying foreign languages, writing diaries, and drawing are beneficial. It is also good to recall and record what you did from morning to night in a note format. Using your fingers frequently contributes to activating brain cells. Some people memorize the names of U.S. presidents every morning. Diligently engaging your body and brain greatly aids in preventing dementia.

 

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"Early dementia" The ages at which dementia gradually develops

It seems to be getting harder.

I think this is the reality of now, not something for later.