Dementia generally is a syndrome of chronic or progressive nature that implies the impairment of memory, intellect, behavior and the ability to perform basic activities of every day beyond what could be considered a consequence of normal aging.
Although it may be caused by various diseases and injuries that affect the brain, the most common are Alzheimer’s disease and brain strokes.
Worldwide there are approximately 47,5 million people suffering from dementia and each year 7,7 million new cases are registered. This means that the disease has great impact and that we have to take it into account.
Around 5 to 8% of the general population over 60 years suffers dementia at some point and it is foreseen that the number of people with dementia will basically increase from 75 million in 2030 to 135 million in 2050.
Dementia is one of the main causes for disability and dependency of elder people worldwide. It can be overwhelming, not only for those who suffer the disease but also for their caretakers and family. Often there is a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, which can cause stigmatization and become an obstacle for people searching appropriate diagnostic services and care. Dementia causes great physical, psychological, social and economic impact on caregivers and families.
One of the most important aspects is the one that includes the early detection of this disease. At first signs or suspicion you should go to a specialist for a proper evaluation and accurate diagnosis of the problem, enabling an early approach to delay its evolution. There is no treatment that cures or can reverse the progressive evolution of dementia, nevertheless, there are numerous interventions to delay its evolution and that support and improve the life quality of the affected people and their caretakers and family
From HC Marbella we encourage people to have tests for an early diagnosis. Therapies for cognitive rehabilitation, optimization of the physical and mental health, everyday activity and wellbeing are the main aims to achieve an appropriate approach to this disease. Further, it is also important to identify and treat the associated diseases well as to provide information and long term support to the caretakers.
Dr. Luis M. Pérez-Belmonte
Specialist for Intern Medicine. Doctor in Medicine/Neurosciences.
Senior Investigator for Cardiovascular Diseases
June 23, 2016
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