In Germany, around 1.8 million people live with dementia. According to the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, the number of those affected is expected to rise to 2.8 million by 2050. This is also due to the increasingly aging society. The main risk for dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s in 79 percent of all cases, is age.
The disease usually begins gradually. The experts at the German Brain Foundation write that the first symptoms appear many years, often decades, before the actual illness. As the disease progresses, cognitive abilities are lost and everyday situations can no longer be managed as easily.
Why it is important to detect dementia early
It is important to recognize the first signs and take them seriously. Although there is currently no cure, individual symptoms can be treated and the progression of the disease slowed down with the help of medication.
“Early sensitization to early symptoms is becoming increasingly important, especially with regard to the new Alzheimer’s drugs, because the new antibodies are particularly effective in the early stages of the disease,” explains Frank Erbguth, President of the German Brain Foundation. Prevention measures are also more effective the earlier and more regularly they are implemented.
5 typical signs of dementia and when you should become suspicious
The German Brain Foundation provides information in a current letter five common first signs that could indicate dementia:
1. Short-term memory problems
Each of us has forgotten a name or sweated because we wanted to return the book to the neighbor. Forgetfulness is normal to a certain extent and increases with age.
When you should be suspicious: “Our brain works very economically, especially under stress it sorts out seemingly unimportant things. But if we regularly forget things that only happened a short time ago, that is a warning signal,” says the German Brain Foundation. If you often go into a room and can’t remember what you were doing there, or can’t remember why you called a person, you should be suspicious.
2. Misplacing things
Of course, it can happen to anyone that they no longer know where their car keys or cell phone are. But most can at least deduce where they might be.
When you should be suspicious: If your car keys are constantly missing or you find lost things in strange places, such as in the refrigerator or under the pillow, this could be a sign of dementia.
3. Word finding problems
Another sign of early dementia is difficulty finding words.
When you should be suspicious: If you often can’t think of the right word, even when it comes to everyday objects. Or if you use incorrect terms, such as railbus instead of train. Those affected often stop a sentence in the middle because they have lost the thread.
4. Difficulty coping with everyday tasks
If problems suddenly occur with normal everyday activities, this can also be a warning sign.
When you should be suspicious: If problems arise, for example when writing a shopping list, cooking a well-known recipe or managing your own financial affairs, this can be a sign of dementia.
5. Change in mood and behavior
Negative changes in mood are also considered warning signs.
When you should be suspicious: Listlessness and apathy are both summarized under the technical term apathy, but anxiety disorders and low mood (depression) as well as social withdrawal can also be harbingers of dementia, the experts write.
Suspicion of dementia? When you should see a doctor
“If one or more of these symptoms occur frequently, you should first seek medical advice,” emphasizes Erbguth. “If there is a suspicion of a cognitive disorder or dementia, the family doctor has short cognitive tests available in order to be able to make a valid initial assessment.”
This could also be used to clarify other causes, such as metabolic disorders or vitamin deficiencies. “Those affected should not be ashamed and should confide in their family doctor at an early stage,” says Erbguth. “If the diagnosis of dementia is confirmed, the course of the disease can be positively influenced by early, specialist medical care.”
Dementia – these preventative measures exist
To date, not all causes of dementia have been fully understood. It is also not yet known why some people get it and others don’t. In other words: Dementia can affect anyone.
However, certain risk factors are known that increase the likelihood of developing dementia. Some of these risk factors are unavoidable, such as age or genetics. Others can be prevented (see below).
The following are considered classic Alzheimer’s dementia prevention measures:
Healthy, balanced diet: A Mediterranean diet in particular appears to protect against Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Lots of fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and whole grain bread should therefore be on the menu. Pork and dairy products such as fatty cheese and butter, on the other hand, should only be eaten in moderation.
Regular exercise: In order to protect against disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends moderate (= slightly increased heart rate) physical activity of around 150 minutes a week, i.e. around 2.5 hours, for adults. People over 65 should also incorporate more exercises that promote balance, coordination and strength.
Mental activity: Anyone who is mentally active can improve the performance of their brain. By stimulating the nerve cells, they can network better and the connections can strengthen better. One also speaks of improved plasticity of the brain or expansion of the “cognitive reserve”. Contrary to popular belief, crossword puzzles do not help because they only test knowledge that is already known. It is better to be active and do or learn things that interest you and bring you joy, including listening to or making music, reading books or newspapers, playing card or board games or learning something new such as a foreign language or a sport. The following applies: the more complex the activity, the more stimulating it is for the brain.
Maintain social contacts: Loneliness can make you sick. Studies show that people who are unintentionally alone a lot have up to twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. It is therefore important to maintain social contacts or build up a network of contacts, for example through volunteer work, involvement in a sports club and choir, or a group trip.
By the way, you shouldn’t wait until the first symptoms appear. “A lifestyle with enough exercise, a healthy diet and enough sleep can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 30 percent and also protects against other diseases,” explains Erbguth.