2024-04-09 04:00:00
Unfortunately, the number of dementia cases is increasing. There are various possible explanations for this.
Barbara Rückert-Mücke is a general practitioner at the Health Center Vienna Airport and deals with the topic of precaution and prevention. She sees the reasons for the increasing number of people affected by dementia in the fact that there is improved diagnostics, but also in demographic change. The corona pandemic has also left its mark. “Many older people remained in too much isolation after the pandemic, thereby increasing their dementia,” says Rückert-Mücke. Even if the longer life expectancy is taken into account, according to the doctor, “women are still more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Research assumes that there are also gender-specific reasons for this, particularly in the hormonal balance.”
Forgetfulness as a sign
The signals of the onset of dementia include forgetting names and terms and misplacing objects. “Concentration problems are also alarming, for example difficulty reading articles, or forgetting skills and activities that were familiar to you, such as cooking,” explains Barbara Rückert-Mücke.
There are different methods to keep the risk of dementia low. It is important to exercise the brain regularly. “For example, learning poetry, reading regularly, interacting with grandchildren, and activities that increase concentration, such as solving puzzles, can help you stay mentally active. It is especially important after retirement to maintain activity,” says Rückert-Mücke. Those affected and their relatives have various options for dealing with the disease and treating the symptoms. “The range of therapies on offer is diverse and can include medicinal treatments as well as herbal preparations such as ginkgo. Group therapies offer social exchange and support. There are also novel approaches such as smell or scent training, which is interesting because olfactory memory is closely linked to the memory center in the brain is,” said the doctor. She advises that those affected should not hesitate to consult a specialist if they suspect cognitive impairments. The first point of contact is the family doctor, who will initiate further measures. And what does the Health Center Vienna Airport offer? “By providing general medical care, we are the first point of contact in the event of suspicion or complaints. Some symptoms are triggered by other illnesses or medications and we can recognize these too.”
Those affected can also find help through the Dementia Service Lower Austria.
There is information about it here
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