It turns out that dementia can appear at a young age.

Many people assume that dementia, or what lay people usually call senility, is a natural process of aging, even though in fact senility cannot be considered normal. Senility, or dementia, is a disease that can actually be prevented early. So how can we prevent it? Let's find out more about dementia.

Getting to Know Dementia

Dementia is a condition where a person experiences a decrease in the ability of the brain to function. This can be characterized by reduced memory, decreased ability to think, difficulty understanding things, and decreased mental intelligence. Dementia, also known as senile dementia, generally attacks elderly people. However, in some cases, this brain dysfunction disease can also attack young people, even children. So what causes dementia at a young age? Find the answer in the following review.

Causes and Risk Factors for Dementia at a Young Age

The causes of dementia at a young age are the same as dementia in elderly people. However, some causes, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), are more common in young dementia patients.

Meanwhile, several conditions that are risk factors are :

1. Alzheimer's disease, atypical Alzheimer's disease, or rare types of Alzheimer's disease caused by genetic mutations that run in families can affect people under 65 years of age.
2. In difficult learning conditions, people with learning disabilities such as Down syndrome have a higher risk of developing dementia.
3. Cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes can cause vascular dementia, namely dementia caused by impaired blood flow to the brain.
4. CADASIL (autosomal dominant cerebral arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) is a rare genetic disorder that affects blood vessels in the brain and can cause dementia.
5. Genetic factors Brain damage: certain genetic conditions that run in families can damage the frontal and lateral areas of the brain, causing frontotemporal dementia.
6. Although it can occur in dementia, genetic damage is often a risk factor for advanced dementia.
7. Protein buildup in the brain Lewy protein particles can build up in the brain and cause Lewy body dementia (LBD).
8. Drinking alcohol or drinking too much alcohol causes a vitamin B1 deficiency, causing brain cell damage and increasing the risk of head injury.

Signs of Dementia at a Young Age

Dementia at a young age has symptoms similar to dementia in the elderly, namely :

1. Memory disorders that affect daily activities
2. I suddenly felt confused.
3. Difficulty carrying out routine activities
4. Repeatedly doing the same thing
5. Difficulty socializing and withdrawing from interactions with relatives and friends
6. Loss of the ability to think and make decisions
7. Difficulty communicating (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding others)
8. changes in behavior.

Tips on How to Prevent Dementia at a Young Age

Regular physical activity, such as exercising, can help improve blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain. Smooth blood flow can help maintain brain function and prevent disease attacks, including dementia.
regulate eating patterns. Consume types of food that are good for the brain, such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, and olive oil. According to research, these types of foods can help improve brain function.
    Do not smoke. Smoking not only attacks the lungs but is also dangerous for the brain, so it's better to avoid smoking.
Don't consume alcohol. In western countries where people consume a lot of alcohol, Alzheimer's dementia is common.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle to avoid disease factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

How to treat dementia

For those of you who have dementia, the treatment is that you can consult a neurologist to be given drug therapy appropriate to the dementia disorder the patient is suffering from. Don't hesitate to check your health, because health is a valuable asset for us, so from now on, let's take care of our health by adopting a healthy lifestyle.