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Vitamin D and Dementia – Deficiency Risk?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention, Resources February 3, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, vitamin d

Recent studies suggest that there may be a connection between low levels of vitamin D and dementia risk.

Researchers revealed that vitamin D deficiency might play a role in dementia development.

Note that the particular vitamin is essential for good health because it plays a significant role in the prevention of various health conditions like hypertension, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes amongst others.

Vitamin D and the Risk of Dementia

Vitamin D which is a group of secosteroids helps the intestines to absorb zinc, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and iron.

The vitamin is also important to bone metabolism.

Does Vitamin D Deficiency Enhance Aging Proces?

It is still not clear about the role that vitamin D plays concerning the aging process, cognition, and brain function.

Some studies reveal that the vitamin may be involved in several processes that relate to cognition, but more research needs to be done to understand this relationship better.

Humans mainly absorb vitamin D from sunlight and it also occurs naturally in some foods like different types of fish, cod liver oil, beef liver, orange juice, milk and yogurt that have been fortified with vitamin D.

Statistics indicate about 40-75% of adults suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

Now that you are aware of the importance of the vitamin in the human body, let’s go ahead and learn about the connection between vitamin D and dementia.

Studies Investigating the Link between Dementia and Vitamin D Deficiency

One of the studies trying to unearth the connection between the deficiency and the neurodegenerative disease was conducted by an international research team.

The experts followed over 1,600 participants for 6 years. All the participants were seniors.

The researchers discovered that elderly persons with severe vitamin D deficiency were two times likely to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s when compared to the seniors who had adequate vitamin D levels.

The persons with a severe deficiency (less than 25nmol/l) recorded a 125% increased dementia risk while the ones who had mild deficiency (between 25-50nmol/l) has a 53% risk.

David Llewellyn who was the lead author from the University of Exeter Medical School explained that the primary aim of conducting the research was to know if there was a connection between low levels of vitamin D and dementia & Alzheimer’s risk.

He said that the results were quite surprising because they found that the association between the diseases and the deficiency was twice as much as the team had projected.

Vitamin D Deficient Individuals Show Cognitive Decline Symptoms

Another study confirming the link between vitamin D and dementia had experts observing 858 adults who were above the age of 65. They published their findings in an issue of The Archives of Internal Medicine.

They found that the participants who had low levels of vitamin D in their blood i.e. less than 25 nanomoles for each litre of blood were 60% more likely to show cognitive decline symptoms.

31% were more likely to show a decline in executive function/prioritizing, planning, and organizing than the ones who had enough vitamin D in their blood.

A different study published in JAMA Neurology adds to the evidence that links cognitive decline to low vitamin D levels. The study had 382 participants with an average age of 75.5 years.

Among the group some people were healthy, others had mild cognitive decline, and the rest already had dementia. The research went on for 5 years and every year researchers took blood tests to evaluate the levels of vitamin D present in all the participants.

They found that the group that had dementia had a lower vitamin D average than the other two groups. The experts also conducted cognitive tests in a bid to evaluate semantic memory, episodic memory, executive function, and visual perception.

The results of these tests indicated that group members who had lower vitamin D levels demonstrated a greater decline in both episodic memory and cognitive ability.

This led the authors of the study to believe that there is a link between cognitive decline and vitamin D deficiency.

Can Vitamin D Supplementation Slow Cognitive Decline?

The researcher, however, noted that the study did not necessarily prove that the two have anything in common. The authors acknowledged that it is still not clear whether vitamin D supplementation can slow down cognitive decline.

UC Davis researchers will be conducting yet another study that will determine whether high doses of vitamin D can help in the prevention of memory loss.

This is after they got a financial boost from the National Institutes of Health to the tune of $4.7 million.

The researchers are embarking on a 5-year journey from 2018 where they will be testing the use of supplements in various populations.

They want to get first-hand information on whether supplementation can help prevent cognitive decline in seniors and whether the association is stronger in Latinos and African-Americans.

The leader of this research professor of neurology John Olichney is on record saying that vitamin D deficiency normally affects the elderly because the skin does not effectively synthesize the vitamin as people grow older.

He states that the problem is more rampant in persons who have darker skin.

The study will follow 180 participants in the East Bay and Sacramento regions.

Among the group a third will have normal cognition, another third will have isolated memory loss, while the rest of the group will have mild Alzheimer’s dementia.

Every participant will get Vitamin D supplements. Half the group will be on a high dosage- 4,000 units daily while the rest will get standard intake that comprises 800 international units as the Institute of Medicine recommends.

We have to wait for the results of this study to get a better picture of the relationship between vitamin D and dementia.

Closing Remarks

While some studies show strong links between dementia development and vitamin D deficiency, researchers cannot conclude that vitamin D deficiency results in dementia.

On the flip side, some studies have found that there is no association between vitamin D and dementia. It goes to show that further research and clinical trials are necessary to establish cause and effect.

This will give a conclusive answer on whether adequate levels of vitamin D can treat or prevent dementia.

Senile Dementia – What Is It & What Causes It?

Rok Krivec Blog February 2, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, dementia, senile dementia, senility

Dementia typically comes in various forms; one of them believed to be senile dementia. Generally, this is a term that was in the past used to describe all types of dementia.

This is no longer the case since senility is no longer in use as a diagnosis for dementia. Before going deeper into this illness, it is better to start by describing what senility is.

What is Senile or Senile Dementia?

Senility is regarded as the deterioration of the mind and body, which usually comes with advanced aging.

A majority of senile persons usually experience a mental decline or decrease in cognitive abilities.

This can be characterized by an individual’s inability to recall information, concentrate, and judge situations in the proper way.

Sadly, the word “senile” for the longest time had an undesirable connotation largely due to a lack of understanding of the challenges that come with growing older.

This leads to people using the word in the wrong way.

Meaning, making it sound like a senile person is one who is dazed, confused, or unable to function well, rather than look at it as an authentic health condition.

Nowadays, we do not use the term senile to describe older people anymore.

The term senile has also been used in combination with other phrases.

These include senile dementia, senile plaques, and senile Alzheimer’s. It has also been added as a descriptor of other medical conditions like senile osteoporosis or senile arthritis.

In such a context, senile usually refers to the age (older) when the condition started developing and has nothing to do with cognitive function or decline.

Several symptoms associate with senility such as:

Wrinkled skin
Changes in posture
Reduced muscle strength
Stiffness of joints
Brittle bones or bone loss
Changes in the eye’s muscles and lens
Brittle bones
Hardened arteries
Loss of hearing or vision
Childish behavior at times
Impaired judgment
Memory loss

A majority of the physical changes are attributed to growing older. On the other hand, we can assign psychological changes to the aging of cortical brain cells.

Senility in most cases applies to mental decline.

Factors That Cause Senility

We are familiar with many causes that can lead to senility, including:

1. Alzheimer’s disease

This tops the list when it comes to the most common senility causes. In short, Alzheimer’s disease usually begins with challenges learning and also recalling recent events.

2. Brain disorders

A person who suffers from brain disorders is a potential candidate for senility. The disorders can be caused by anything from illness, infection, or trauma.

3. Medical Conditions

An array of medical conditions is also documented to cause senility. These can include illnesses such as Pick’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, stroke, Huntington disease, AIDS, Down syndrome, and many others.

4. Depression

Persons who undergo major depression are also at risk of senility.

5. Alcohol and drug abuse

People who overindulge in alcohol and abuse drugs are prone to senility. Likewise, individuals who inhale paint or any other substances so that they can become high are also at an increased risk of developing senility.

6. Dehydration and over-medication

These are factors that can make a person exhibit some senility signs which most of the time lead to a false diagnosis of dementia.

Going by the signs above it is obvious that some of the factors that lead to senility are similar to those of dementia.

For this reason, it is important for everyone who shows signs of dementia to get tested by a professional first to confirm the diagnosis.

Now that you have a little background on what senility is all about, let’s jump back to senile dementia.

What exactly is senility?

Judging by the past use of this term, it is safe to say that it is a mental deterioration that is typically associated with old age.

There are two models of this type of dementia:

1. The one that comes because of Alzheimer’s type dementia (atrophy).
2. The second one is usually the result of vascular problems, mostly strokes.

Primary Differences between Dementia and Senility

By now, it should be quite clear that senility and dementia are two different medical conditions although many may use the terms interchangeably.

Dementia is a medical term that refers to a wide range of brain conditions that can lead to a progressive decline in how a person remembers things and thinks.

In the end, the loss of these abilities can make it increasingly challenging for individuals to care for themselves and function as before.

Dementia is certainly not senility because serious mental decline is not part of the normal aging process.

Several causes can lead to dementia, such as:

When you look at the causes of both senility and dementia, there may be some similarities but there are also some major differences.

Most of the comparable causes exist because both conditions typically affect seniors as they grow older.

On one hand, dementia can be quite seriously messing up with a person’s reasoning skills, visual perception, communication skills, focusing abilities and memory.

This is an illness that can turn your life upside down.

Senility rarely interferes with a person’s daily life, especially if one is proactive in slowing down or minimizing the decline process.

Persons who have senility may occasionally struggle to remember people they know, things, events or struggle to find the right words to use at a particular moment.

While people with dementia may also go through this, it tends to happen all the time rather than occasionally as is the case with senility.

A person with senility may end up remembering things later and most of them can use organizational tools and notes successfully.

This does not usually happen with individuals who have dementia, especially if they are in the final stages of the disease.

The loved ones of a person who has senility may not have to worry about his or her memory issues.

The situation is different from dementia cases because family members continuously worry about an individual’s memory.

It is also important to note that another difference between senility and dementia is the fact that dementia is an accepted medical term.

Senility, however, is not yet accepted as an international medical term.

Similarities between Senility and Dementia

Because senile dementia is no longer a thing, it is wise to look at the conditions separately.

Even though the two conditions are not synonymous, they do share quite a few similarities, including:

1. One of the major similarities between these two is the fact that they normally affect people who are above the age of 65. This is not to say that younger individuals cannot get dementia or senility but a majority of the cases happen as people grow older.

2. Both dementia and senility do not have sure treatment methods. When talking about treatment for senility, it is safe to say that there is no cure for normal aging.

However, there are a few things that people can do to stave off its severity and decline.

These include things like keeping physically active, eating a balanced diet, and engaging the mind, among many others to stay sharp.

The same case applies to dementia because there is still no cure for the disease.

Physicians can, however, prescribe drugs and lifestyle changes that can help one cope better with their current situation.

3. Both tend to become worse as the years go by. Persons with progressive dementia usually experience a decline with time.

This happens at different paces for different individuals. With some, the decline may occur fast while others may remain semi-independent for many years.

Senility can get worse as well. It primarily happens when an individual stays for a long time without taking hands-on measures to put a halt or reduce the decline process.

4. In the end, candidates who have senility and individuals who have dementia may both end up in senior care homes such as assisted living homes or nursing care.

This happens when a person’s independence is compromised; thus, needs extra help to go about their daily activities.

5. A person who has dementia may experience changes in mental health like the decline in judgment or memory loss. This can also happen to an elderly individual with senility because the condition also leads to a decline in adult’s cognitive and physical health.

Closing Remarks

It’s not hard to see why senile dementia was a term that they commonly used in the past, seeing that senility and dementia have a few similarities.

Experiencing senility signs can be alarming and scary. As soon as you struggle to remember where you kept your keys or think of a word while having a conversation, you may immediately think that you are at the onset of dementia.

This is not always the case.

To have peace of mind, it is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible. It is the only way to get a proper diagnosis so that you can now take the right steps to stay fitter and sharper to thrive in your golden years.

Also worth noting is that a person can have dementia without being senile.

The opposite scenario is also true where an individual may experience senility without getting dementia.

Olive Oil and Dementia- What’s the Verdict?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention February 1, 2021October 17, 2021dementia, olive oil, olive oil and dementia

There is a heightened interest in the use of olive oil and dementia prevention.

This is after recent studies on mice suggested that consuming extra virgin oil plays a significant role in the prevention of the accumulation of protein tau, which is one of the hallmarks of different types of dementia.

In the past, extra virgin oil has been known for its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.

This is because it is rich in monounsaturated or “good” fatty acids.

There may be added benefits of extra virgin oil, seeing that many studies report that it also has some cognitive and neuroprotective benefits.

Check out brief details of some of the studies below.

Does Olive Oil Help Dementia?

Olive Oil Can Help to Improve Memory and Learning

A study conducted in 2012 on mice explains that extra virgin oil enhances the rodents’ performance in memory tests and they also record improvement in learning.

The alleged reason for these findings is that the oil contains high levels of powerful antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols.

These might reverse age or disease-related memory impairment and learning.

Extra Virgin Oil May Reduce Early Neurological Dementia Signs

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When looking into the issue of olive oil and dementia, it is important to refer to a study that was published in the journal Aging Cell in November 2019.

It stated that in mice, olive oil reduced some of the early neurological signs of dementia specifically Alzheimer’s disease.

Intervention from the extra virgin oil helped to reduce inflammation in the brain, but most importantly, activates autophagy.

This is a process where the brain cells break down and eliminate intracellular toxins and debris like tau tangles and amyloid plaques.

The process helped to maintain the integrity of the mice’s synapses which refer to the connection between neurons.

Dr. Domenico Pratico a professor at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine in the Department of Pharmacology and Microbiology at Temple University fronted the research.

He and his team opted to take this route with their study after previous research done by investigators at the same medical institution has concluded that consuming extra virgin oil protects against Alzheimer’s disease and prevents loss of memory.

Neurological benefits of olive oil

Dr. Pratico and his team of researchers also conducted another study on the neurological benefits of olive oil. His team took to study the effect of extra virgin oil on tauopathies.

These are known as cognitive conditions that are age-related where protein tau accumulates in the brain triggering the development of dementia because of their toxicity levels.

The team, while seeking to uncover the relationship between olive oil and dementia, adopted an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model referred to as the triple transgenic model.

In this case, the mice develop three main characteristics of the illness i.e. neurofibrillary tangles, amyloid plagues, and memory impairment.

There were two groups of mice in the study to give researchers a clear picture of the results. They gave one set of mice prone to the accumulations of tau, a chow diet rich in virgin oil.

The other group of mice was put on a regular chow diet even though they were also prone to toxic levels of tau accumulations.

The extra virgin oil the experts used to feed the mice in the lab was from Italy’s Apulia region. A chemical analysis revealed that extra virgin oil had a polyphenol count of up to 253 milligrams for every kilogram.

The levels of different forms of vitamin E (tocopherol a & y) were also measured at 381 milligrams for each Kg and 23 milligrams per kilo respectively.

The researchers fed the mice with extra virgin oil from the age of 6 months, which is equivalent to about 30 years in humans.

Extra virgin olive oil has positive effects

After about one year, which is equal to around 60 years in human beings, the researchers documented their findings.

Note that in overall appearance, it did not appear as though there were significant differences in the two groups of mice.

However, the researchers found that the set of mice that were on a diet rich in extra virgin oil had 60% fewer tau deposits than the ones on the regular diet.

The results further stated that mice that were on extra virgin oil also gave a better performance in standard in various learning ability, working and spatial memory tests.

The research group went ahead to analyze brain tissues from both groups of rodents.

They discovered substantial differences in the appearance and function of the nerve cell. Among these includes synaptic integrity. Dr. Domenico explained that synapses which are the integrity of the connections between neurons were preserved in the mice that were consuming an extra virgin oil diet.

There was also an increase in autophagy activation in the nerve cells in the same group of mice, which was responsible for the reduction of phosphorylated tau and amyloid plaque levels.

The study of olive oil and dementia show positive results

As a result of the autophagy, synaptic integrity and memory were also preserved. This was a significant discovery in the study of olive oil and dementia, according to Dr. Pratico, because he believes that autophagy reduction leads to the beginning of Alzheimer’s disease.

The research team plans to further this research by investigating the effects of giving extra virgin oil to mice that are 12 years old. They want to see if it will have any positive impact on mice that have developed tangles and plaques already.

Dr. Domenico explained that in most cases when a person visits the doctor while suspecting that they have dementia, the illness is usually present.

The study aims at knowing whether extra virgin oil has the same results when added at a later time. The results may determine at what point people need to start consuming the oil to reverse or stop dementia.

Olive Oil and Dementia Closing Remarks

The studies on olive oil and dementia are not yet sufficient. Additional research needs to be done to fully understand the impact that extra virgin oil has on the protection against various forms of dementia.

Future research may be directed towards learning about the mechanisms that the oil uses to support brain health.

Reminiscence Therapy For Dementia

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention February 1, 2021October 17, 2021dementia, reminiscence therapy

The positive and beneficial effects of reminiscence therapy on a person with dementia as a treatment could be very impactful.

Dementia is one of the illnesses that does not have a medical cure yet.

However, there are some treatments and drugs that can help with symptoms of the illness.

With the right treatment and therapy, you can alleviate the condition and even slow down the progression.

What is reminiscence therapy for dementia?

One that has been known to be effective over the years is reminiscence therapy (RT) also referred to as life review therapy. This involves talking about past events, activities, and experiences with other people.

This type of treatment yields successful results mainly because individuals with the disease tend to be more comfortable talking about things that happened long ago.

Worth noting is that with dementia memories are typically lost in reverse order. This implies that the memories that one forms recently become more fleeting than those from years ago.

Dementia normally starts in the part of the brain known as the hippocampus.

This is the section that puts experiences into memory. When the area is damaged, recent experiences do not get that chance to convert to memories.

It’s only later when the disease starts to affect the regions in the brain where memories are stored. This means that these memories usually remain available even during the later stages of the illness.

For this reason, dementia and reminiscence complement each other. Let’s dig further into how the therapy works for persons who have dementia.

How does Reminiscence Help with Dementia?

The primary aim of life review therapy is to help an individual with dementia reconnect even though they are facing memory loss challenges.

It can be described as a form of talk therapy that motivates people to revisit past moments. This may assist a person to connect with individuals they love or process pleasant life events.

It can work in a group or one-on-one setting.

This therapy targets the sections of the brain that is responsible for cognition and long-term memory. It stimulates these parts of the brain, encouraging the discussion of memories that are tacked away.

The therapy stimulates these memories via multiple sensory organs, which makes the brain react differently than how it normally does.

These reactions can impact behavior or emotions.

A couple of studies show that the therapy helps older individuals to better engage with others.

Older adults who start to feel disconnected or left behind have been known to open up during the life review therapy sessions. This type of therapy does not only benefit persons with dementia but their relatives, friends, and caregivers as well.

It helps those around the person with the illness have a better understanding of dementia to know how to treat their loved ones.

Aids and Prompts for Reminiscing

For reminiscence therapy to work, some aids or props may come in handy. These assist in the initiation and sustainability of the process.

1. Pictures

Photos that spark memories are a great way to assist in the reminiscence process. Pictures of relatives and friends or anything else in a person’s history are some of the best choices because they help to elicit memories.

Moreover, photos that will remind the viewer of their favorite hobbies also work well.

For instance, someone who loves to spend time knitting might enjoy looking at magazines with different knitting designs.

People who love to cook may appreciate gourmet magazines that are full of appetizing food pictures. The same applies to historical events, crafts, sports, etc.

2. Smells and Tastes

Sensory stimulation also does a great job when it comes to reminiscing. Familiar smells especially are excellent for bringing back fond memories.

To help out with this, you can create scent jars or cards with the use of essential oils or spices that will remind seniors of foods or places they love.

3. Tactile Activities

Touching is another way to remind people of the past.

It is best done through familiar activities like pottery, paintings, sewing, knitting or other crafts that can bring back memories.

Even if a person cannot participate in these activities anymore, doing things like touching the paintbrushes, scribbling with chalk, swirling watercolors, playing with fabric, or squeezing yarn can help bring forth strong memories.

Another way of using touch is by using objects. Perhaps wearing items like necklaces, watches, and other pieces of jewelry can bring back some lovely memories of significant life events.

One more idea that can work is to bring a piece of clothing like a suit or dress that the person with dementia loved to wear to key events.

4. Music

This is another popular option of stimulating reminiscing. Songs may trigger memories of what an individual was up to twenty, fifty, or even sixty years ago.

He/she might remember their school days or when they first went out on a date. It may help to offer positive emotional feedback.

More familiar music will arouse stronger emotional responses. Nonetheless, even unfamiliar tunes can assist in the reminiscence process.

Musical activities to explore in this case include: listening to their favorite classics, enjoying sing-alongs, or playing music on simple instruments like bells, shakers, drums or tambourines.

Types of Life Review Therapies

There are three main types of Reminiscence therapy, as discussed below:

1. Simple Reminiscence

This is where a person tries to reflect on past events in an enjoyable and informative manner.

2. Evaluative Reminiscence

This takes on more of a therapy approach. Not only can this be used to review life, but it can also work to help resolve conflicts at times.

3. Offensive-Defensive Reminiscence

At times during RT, an individual may recall stressful or unpleasant memories. It can cause negative changes in behavior or the development of emotional issues.

When this happens, it is advisable to deal with them head-on to offer a resolution. This helps an individual to come to terms with the life events that they would rather keep hidden and possibly even achieve closure.

Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy

Over the years, people with dementia have benefitted from RT in several ways, including:

1. Enhancing Cognitive Capacity

A study by Geriatrics and Gerontology International published in 2007 concluded that reminiscence programs are effective ways to help improve the cognitive capacity of individuals with different dementia types. This might also help a person to participate better in daily living activities.

2. Boosts self-esteem

Because reminiscence gives a person with dementia a greater sense of competence, it can also help to boost self-esteem. This is where a person becomes more confident through the use of a skill they still have.

3. Brings good feelings

As a person remembers things that once made them happy, it can help to instantly improve their moods as their minds flood with good feelings.

This is something wonderful, especially during those times that a person with dementia finds life to be complicated.

Gaining positive feelings can help to reduce agitation, decrease stress, boost mood, and minimize challenging behaviors like anger, wandering and lots more.

4. Allows affected individuals to share

In most cases, people with dementia are usually on the receiving end, where they listen to their caregivers and have things done for them.

RT allows them to be in the driver’s seat where they have a chance to talk and share meaningful things instead of just listening to other people as they converse.

5. Less strain on the caregiver

Because RT makes a person feel better about themselves, giving them higher self-worth, caregivers get a more manageable task of looking after individuals with dementia.

The therapy can enhance caregiver and family bonds as they learn new things about their loved ones’ past.

Structure of Reminiscence Therapy Sessions

The structure of RT sessions is not set on stone as they normally vary. Some may be as simple as having a conversation with a caregiver while taking a walk.

Others are more complex and structured involving meetings with counselors and therapists. In regards to length, most of the sessions do not have specific time frames.

The frame of mind of the individuals with dementia usually dictates how long a session will be. This is to ensure they remain as comfortable as possible to enjoy the process rather than get stressed about the entire process.

Most people who meet with therapists for RT usually meet at least once every week.

If a person is dealing with a traumatic past, it is best that a licensed therapist directs the RT sessions so that they can professionally deal with any confusion or flashbacks that occur.

Research on RT is still going on to come up with ideal settings and best conditions for practicing it so that people with dementia can get more benefits from the therapy.

What Happens When RT Evokes Painful Memories

While RT seeks to help persons with dementia remember the happier times, painful memories may also crop up.

Do not stop the therapy when this happens. Instead, monitor how the individual behaves and respond with a lot of understanding and kindness.

After spending more time with the person with dementia, you can tell whether to offer support, a listening ear or gently steer them towards better memories where they will not in a distressed or sad state.

Closing Thoughts

As part of the treatment process, individuals with dementia should include reminiscence therapy.

This can help to improve communication skills, mood, cognition, and other areas that can lead to a better quality of life. Remember that the activity needs to be non-threatening and enjoyable.

Do not force conversations when participants do not want to talk and share. You can try leads such as do you remember which countries were against each other during the Korean War?

Aids or props can also assist in initiating the reminiscence process so that it flows well.

HIV-Associated Dementia – Symptoms and Causes

Rok Krivec Blog, Types February 1, 2021October 17, 2021aids dementia, dementia, hiv-associated dementia

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) affect many organs in the human body including the brain which may lead to the development of HIV-associated dementia.

This is also known as AIDS dementia, AIDS dementia complex, or HIV/AIDS encephalopathy.

It is one of the severe consequences of HIV infection.

HIV weakens the immune system of the person it affects which makes it harder for the body to fight diseases and infections.

What is HIV associated dementia?

Dementia caused by HIV can be described as chronic cognitive deterioration that is a result of brain infection by HIV.

It is a complex syndrome that consists of various mental and nervous system symptoms that affect persons with HIV. The HIV infection normally gets to the brain at the later stages of the disease.

While dementia tends to affect elderly persons, AIDS dementia tends to occur in younger persons.

HIV encephalopathy is an infection that spreads through the brain and is one of the primary causes of dementia in persons who have HIV.

Learn about the symptoms and causes of the AIDS dementia complex below.

Causes of HIV-Associated Dementia

When a person has HIV, the virus makes its way to the brain infecting the cells in the organ. This causes encephalopathy a disease that affects the functions of the brain.

The illness then leads to the development of dementia because of the neuronal damage that HIV causes.

The virus also damages the communication between nerve cells which results in impaired cognitive function and impaired communication in the brain.

AIDS dementia is more common in people who are not on anti-HIV drugs.

According to Webmd.com, HIV-associated dementia typically occurs when a person’s CD4+ falls to fewer than 200 cells/microliter. This typically occurs after years of positive HIV diagnosis.

There are several ways HIV can affect the brain.

One of them is through the viral proteins that may directly damage nerve cells or infect the inflammatory cells in the brain as well as the spinal cord.

The virus may then trigger the cells to disable and damage the nerve cells.

HIV usually leads to generalized inflammation which can be the cause of memory problems as well as other aging processes like heart diseases.

While AIDS dementia is not an opportunist infection, since HIV causes neurodegenerative disorder, the exact causes of this disorder can be hard to pinpoint.

This is because several other causes related to HIV can damage the nervous system including:

Opportunistic infections
Direct effects of the HIV infection on the brain
Malnutrition
AIDS-related metastasis/lymphoma or other related cancers
Drug treatments toxic effects

Symptoms of HIV-Associated Dementia

Several symptoms are seen in persons with AIDS dementia. These can show up at different stages of the disease.

At the early stages some of the warning signs that may be prominent include:

Memory issues affecting both long and short-term memory
Encephalitis: this is a condition that makes the membranes of the spinal column and those of the brain swell
Reduced productivity at the workplace
Problems with spatial skills
Difficulties staying focused or concentrating
Inability to learn new skills
Cognitive impairment where a person experiences reduced ability to think clearly
Problems with speaking accurately or clearly
A gradual loss of motor skills
Apathy
Lack of enthusiasm in previously enjoyed hobbies and activities
Taking longer to complete familiar tasks
Irritability
Depression
Problems taking medicine correctly and following the proper medical advice
Decreased libido
Changes in personality and behavior
Difficulties managing finances
Trouble keeping balance or an unsteady gait
Difficulties with decision-making, organizing, and planning

The symptoms are different for people with AIDS dementia complex.

Experts state that mental status tests, as well as other mental capabilities, are usually normal during the onset of the illness.

Warning signs

Because the symptoms tend to develop slowly, some warning signs may come out during the middle stages of HIV-associated dementia like:

Signs of motor dysfunction like muscle weakness
Reversing of words or numbers
Impaired driving
Frequently dropping objects and slower responses
Poor performance on daily tasks
Increased attention and concentration required
Coordination, balance, and walking requires more effort
Slowness in activities like writing or speaking
Feelings of indifference

Worth noting is that dementia symptoms become worse as the infection in the brain becomes more widespread.

Some signs may show up during the later stages of AIDS dementia complex such as:

Spastic gait which makes walking more challenging
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Social withdrawal
Sleep disturbances
Confinement to bed
Seizures
Loss of initiative
Mania: extreme hyperactivity, restlessness, poor judgement, and rapid speech
Psychosis: this is a serious mental disorder where emotions and thoughts are impaired to an extent that a person loses touch with reality. These can also feature extreme agitation, inability to appropriately respond to the environment, delusions, and hallucinations

The above symptoms can make one confused where they are not able to make sense of the world around them.

At times, they can also result in a vegetative state where an individual is incapable of interacting and has minimal awareness of their surroundings.

Symptoms can be similar to other conditions

It is also important to note that some of the HIV-associated dementia symptoms resemble other medical problems and conditions.

These may include depression, other infections, or nutritional deficiencies. For these reasons, it is to best consult a professional health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Anyone who has HIV should visit an HIV specialist or GP if they start developing problems with their mood or thinking.

Medical experts acknowledge that people with AIDS dementia complex achieve the best results with early diagnosis and proper treatment.

Closing Thoughts

While some people who have HIV end up developing HIV-associated dementia, some do not.

It is advisable for persons who have been diagnosed with HIV to have their emotional and cognitive wellbeing assessed within three months of the diagnosis.

This should be re-assed after a year so that should any problems arise, they can be addressed as fast as possible.

There is on-going research to determine whether HIV causes dementia to develop faster in an individuals’ brain.

The findings will help determine how a person’s risk of dementia might increase if they have HIV.

Is Dementia Hereditary? Let’s Find Out Now

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes January 31, 2021February 23, 2024dementia, inherited, is dementia hereditary, vascular dementia

There is one question that is of concern for family members of an individual who has dementia: is dementia hereditary?

There are two answers to this query and, sadly, it is both a yes and a no.

The majority of dementias are not passed down by family.

There are, however, some rare cases where there may be a strong genetic link that could see children and grandchildren inherit the condition.

Nonetheless, this is only a small proportion of the overall dementia cases.

It is vital to note that genes are basic heredity units that pass on characteristics like height, hair color, or the tendency to develop a certain disease.

We find them in chromosomes and can contain mutations or changes which can be beneficial or harmful.

Does dementia run in families?

To date, researchers still do not have adequate details about the human genes that are associated with dementia.

While several genes may lead to different forms of dementia, mostly the illness does not develop because of changes to a specific gene.

Dementia genetics are quite complex, with several other factors weighing in.

This aside, let’s look at some of the reasons why most people do not inherit dementia.

Risk Factors

One of the top risk factors for dementia is age.

The disease is common in seniors who are above the age of seventy, although some people experience it when they are younger.

You may be relieved to learn that having grandparents or parents with dementia at this age (70+) does not necessarily mean that you will also end up with the condition when you are older.

Your risk of getting the disease remains the same as the rest of the population.

On the flip side, studies show that if your loved one has dementia when they are younger, say less than sixty years, there is a higher chance that this type of illness passes on.

This goes to show that while genetics may be a risk factor, it is certainly not the only one.

Other risk factors that contribute to the development of dementia include:

Down Syndrome
Nutritional and vitamin deficiencies
Sleep apnea and other medical conditions
Smoking
Head injuries
Alcohol abuse and many more

Now check out some of the factors that could increase your chances of ending up with dementia because it is in your family line.

These support the yes part of the answer when you ask if dementia is hereditary.

Underlying Health Issues

There are some scenarios where dementia will not be inherited. But, there are some health issues that, at times, crop up because of this condition.

These may include conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, or stroke. Such illnesses can pass from one generation to the next.

Note that such diseases are also considered risk factors for illnesses such as dementia.

This simply means that when a person has one or more of the aforementioned diseases, they may also end up with dementia when they get older.

Specific Genes

When looking at the cases of inherited dementia, you may notice that only 1% of the cases are passed on from parents.

Another aspect that may increase your chances of getting the disease simply because your parents also have dementia is the types of genes that your parents give you.

It is not the dementia gene but others that increase the risk of you getting the illness.

These types of genes that can give you dementia are typically the same ones that increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

It is one of the reasons it is essential to stay physically active and eat well. This can reduce the risk of developing certain types of dementia, such as vascular dementia.

Scientifically, two types of genes can affect whether a person ends up inheriting a disorder or disease. These are:

1. Risk Genes – These are the genes that you carry putting you at risk of developing a particular disease. You should also know that with the gene in your body, it does not mean you will end up with the illness.

2. Deterministic Genes – These are the genes that are responsible for causing the onset of disorders and diseases. They are quite rare and have been linked directly to the development of dementia in adults.

Genes are a broad topic for anyone who is interested in finding out the answers to is dementia hereditary.

Below is a summary of some of the genes that researchers claim are associated with the development of dementia in different stages:

1. Mutations in APP (A4 protein precursor), PSEN2 (presenilin2), and PSEN1 (presenilin1)

These genes are responsible for producing abnormal protein amounts that can trigger damage in the brain, which links to the onset of early dementia.

2. Variations in the ApoE4 gene

Also known as the apolipoprotein E, this offers instructions for protein production as well as aids in the transportation of cholesterol through the bloodstream.

About a quarter of the population that has one copy of the gene of a variation of ApoE has been known to have a higher risk of getting dementia.

Even though they do not directly cause the disease, they can contribute to some of the brain changes that result in cognitive decline.

Many people with ApoE4 also experience faster loss of nerve cell functioning.

This happens at the frontal lobe, which is crucial when it comes to maintaining mental functioning.

Studies also conclude that individuals who have the ApoE4 gene usually grow older at a faster rate. This acceleration can enhance the chances of dementia becoming worse over time.

There is also evidence that people who have two copies of ApoE4 have a much higher risk of developing dementia than the people who only have a single copy.

3.CDC2 gene

Cell division of the cycle 2 gene (CDC2) associates with the production of more tau protein This controls the deposit, gathering, and degradation of several proteins that relate to different types of dementia.

4. SORL1 gene

There is a high chance that the sortilin related receptor may play a role in the uncharacteristic production of beta-amyloid plaque in the brains of individuals who experience the late onset of dementia.

Rare Types of Dementia

There are some unusual types of dementia that parents can pass down to their young ones.

It mainly happens when a person develops the illness at an early age, like in their 50s or 60s.

In the majority of these cases, there is a high chance that a faulty gene was passed down to the children from their parents. This is also the case when an individual ends up developing dementia in their 30s or 40s.

Generally, while a high percentage of people will not pass dementia to their kids, they can pass faulty genes that will be the cause of the disease in younger individuals.

Examples of the rare dementia types that parents pass on to their offspring include Familial Prion Disease and Huntington’s disease.

Such disorders present a 50/50 chance of being inherited because they are brought about by a faulty “dormant” gene.

What this means is that if you get one faulty gene from one parent and another healthy one from the other parent, the faulty one is the one that the body will use.

This is because the body sees it as the “dominant” gene.

If your doctor suspects that family history has anything to do with your condition, he or she may recommend genetic testing.

Relatives at this point may also have to go through genetic testing.

When the results are out, genetic counseling is normally offered to all the persons who carry the illness-related changes.

Inheritance Pattern

If you are asking if dementia is hereditary, it helps to look into the inheritance pattern of the disease.

When people develop the illness at an early stage, that is before celebrating their 70th birthday, the link to an autosomal dominant pattern is not unusual.

This simply means that a single copy of an altered gene is enough to cause dementia. In most cases, the affected individual gets this gene from one of their parents.

It is still not clear what the inheritance pattern for late-onset dementia is. Persons who inherit just one copy of the ApoE4 allele are usually at higher risk of developing the condition.

The risk is even greater for the individuals who have two copies of the same.

Astonishingly, it is not everyone who has this gene that will end up with dementia. Similarly, not everyone who has dementia has the E4 allele.

Closing Remarks

As seen above, genetics do not play a major role when it comes to the development of dementia.

That said, there are specific forms that you can inherit from your parents.

However, these mostly have to do with developing the disease when you are younger. It is evident that there is no one answer to the query; is dementia hereditary?

Even though it may not be possible to control genes, there are other factors you can control to help reduce the risk.

It includes things such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, not smoking and managing other health conditions, like diabetes.

Dementia and Eyesight – How Vision Changes

Rok Krivec Blog, Signs January 31, 2021October 17, 2021dementia, dementia and eyesight

When talking about how dementia affects a person’s life, it is important to touch on one crucial topic, which is dementia and eyesight.

In addition to causing multiple changes in the brain, dementia also affects how the brain processes information the eyes deliver as well as how the eyes see.

This implies that some behavioral changes in people with dementia may be as a result of vision changes.

Five common changes that happen to the eyes when a person has dementia explained below.

How Vision Changes With Dementia

1. The Field of Vision Becomes Narrow

One of the changes that occur when a person has dementia is the fact that the field of vision becomes narrow.

This is common with old age because, by the time a person is in their mid-70s, the normal vision peripheral reduces a little so that a person does not notice or see as much as they were able to when they were younger.

With dementia, the field of vision narrowing is not the same as what happens when a person becomes older.

The disease causes the field of vision to decrease by about 12 inches.

Experts compare this to a person who wears binoculars. It is not possible to move about normally when you are putting on binoculars.

2. Blurring

A person with dementia may not be able to see things as sharply as before because the illness causes them to experience blurring.

Because of this, everyday and familiar objects become more challenging to recognize.

3. The brain does not Effectively Process Information from the Eyes

Worth noting when talking about dementia and eyesight is that someone with the illness may find it challenging to see the things that are in front of them.

This normally happens as the disease advances, and the brain starts shutting down information that comes from the eyes.

At some point, the brain finds the details from the eyes overwhelming; thus, it cannot begin processing the information.

When this happens and you have dementia, you may be forced to only see through one eye.

As a result, you will end up losing perception of depth where you can’t tell if something is two or three-dimensional.

This makes it difficult for an individual to know different things like whether they are looking at a picture of an apple of the real fruit, whether there is a print on a fabric, or whether there is an object on a surface.

4. Pupils React to Light Slowly

Persons with dementia and eyesight problems may also have slow reactions to light that makes it difficult for them to move from a light to a dark space and vice versa.

Going out when it is sunny can also be an overwhelming experience.

5. Changes That Don’t Make Sense to “Healthy People”

When it comes to the effects of dementia on eyesight, you may start seeing a person doing things that you consider strange.

For instance, a person may be trying to flip something in the air.

While this may not make sense to you, the person with the illness may be thinking that they are switching on the lights because the switch appears to be closer than it is.

Because the persons with dementia lack the perception of depth, they will respond to the world as they see it in the best way they know-how.

Causes of Vision Problems in People with Dementia

There are several reasons thousands of people with dementia will experience issues with vision, such as:

Development of eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts
Health conditions like stroke
Dementia itself
Normal aging of the eyes

The above causes damage to the visual system which can lead to sight loss.

Symptoms of Eyesight Issues for People with Dementia

People with dementia can exhibit certain symptoms that show they have problems with their eyesight. This is where they can have challenges with things like:

Reading
Avoiding obstacles
Recognizing familiar faces
Finding personal items
coping with bright lights, dim lights or both
Seeing well even when they have glasses
Locating food on plates

To confirm that the symptoms are a result of dementia, a person with the neurodegenerative illness needs to go through eye-tests.

Eye-specialists can adapt the eye tests for individuals with dementia if need be to get the proper results.

Coping with Dementia and Eyesight Problems

A person with eyesight issues because of dementia is likely to experience more problems with mobility, expansive disorientation, and increased risk of falls.

They may also have increased problems communicating, learning new tasks, lack of motivation, and the need for more social isolation.

Some of the tips caregivers can work with to make the people with dementia as comfortable and productive as possible include:

Taking care of the eyes

The suffering individuals and their carers need to make the most of the individual’s sight.

This means having regular eye rests and making sure that if a person wears glasses, they are correct, current, and clean at all times.

Making adjustments to the environment

This might need simple projects like improving the lighting, keeping areas clutter-free and familiar, as well as the use of contrasting colors. In short, making a dementia-friendly home.

You might also have to go the tech-way and use equipment like audio labels and automatic lights.

Enhancing communication techniques

This might include speaking clearly to a person who has dementia and eyesight issues.

You may have to introduce yourself when talking to the person, practice patience as they try to figure out what you are saying, and even using pictures and charts for ease of communication.

Extra help

When you are at a loss of how to help, there are numerous resources online as well as support groups where you can get ideas on how to move forward without harming the person with dementia.

Professionals like occupational therapists and visual rehabilitation workers can also offer help.

Closing Thoughts

A person may become more confused and fearful when suffering from dementia and eyesight problems.

Their behavior might also change because of the alterations happening in the brain.

It is important to accord people with illnesses as much support as possible so that they can live long quality lives.

Air Pollution and Dementia Risk

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes January 31, 2021October 17, 2021air pollution and dementia, dementia

There is strong evidence developing in regards to exposure to air pollution and dementia risk.

Some researchers claim that small air pollution particles can enter the brain and contribute to the development of dementia.

Before looking at the possible link between dementia and air pollutants, first, check out what air pollution is.

Does Pollution Cause Dementia?

Air Pollution

Air pollution is made up of various components that may include:

Chemical compounds
Gases
Tiny particles/ particulate matter
Metals

Exposure to high levels of long-term exposure to air pollutants has been known to be harmful leading to the development of many health conditions that majorly affect the heart and the lungs.

Does Air Pollution Harm the Brain? (Different Studies)

One of the factors that led scientists to look into the relationship between air pollution and dementia is the existence of the magnetite particle in the brain.

These are particles that fill the air after the burning of fuel. The human brain also produces magnetite naturally.

A study conducted in 2016 confirmed that magnetite can make its way to the brain through air pollution. This was after studying the brain tissues of people from Manchester and Mexico City.

Researchers used a unique electron microscope to look at the surface properties of magnetite. They did this to prove that the brain did not produce the particles naturally.

Instead, they were produced by high temperatures.

The conclusion from the study was that it is possible that fine particulate material can enter the brain through the thin lining of the nose and the bloodstream as well.

Researchers observed that the particles were present inside amyloid plaques, which are the protein deposits common in the brain cells of a person with Alzheimer’s, one of the most common forms of dementia.

Magnetite can cause dementia

This is what led to the assumption that magnetite could be somehow involved in the development of dementia.

The study was, however not conclusive because it did not prove that magnetite was responsible for killing brain cells or the formation of the protein deposits.

There is a possibility that the particles might find their way into the brain and because of the organ’s waste disposal process find their way in the amyloid plaques.

In line with this Pektus, an assistant professor of clinical neurology working at Keck School of Medicine, led another study to try and add evidence linking air pollution and dementia risk.

The study focused on 998 female participants between the ages of 73-87.

The participants underwent two brain scans that were 5 years apart. Researchers studied the brains of the participants to give them a cognitive decline score.

They then combined the results with data on where the ladies lived with details about the pollution levels in the areas.

After analyzing this data, the researchers found that people who had higher exposure to fine air particle solutions were more likely to experience cognitive function impairments like memory problems.

A different study trying to prove the link between air pollution and dementia risk followed 130,000 people living in London for a couple of years.

The adults were aged 50 to 79. During the study period, at least 2181 people developed dementia. The results reported that the participants who were exposed to higher levels of air pollutants specifically nitrogen and fine particles from fossil fuel combustion had a higher risk of developing dementia.

The researchers stated that people living in London exposed to the highest levels of air pollution were around 11/2 times likely to develop some form of dementia.

Long-term exposure to air pollution can increase risk

A study conducted in 2017 studied adults for over a decade. The participants were quite many (about 6.5 million adults).

The study that was published in The Lancet found that the people who lived near high-traffic major roads were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

This was regardless of their socioeconomic and health status. The study claimed that about 6-7% of all dementia cases were attributed to exposure to air pollutants.

Another study followed residents in Stockholm, Sweden. They followed individuals who were exposed to air pollution at relatively low levels.

The research that was published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) found that even exposure to low levels of air pollution contributes to greater dementia risk specifically for persons who have heart diseaseshttps://readementia.com/signs-of-early-onset-alzheimers/.

Giulia Grande the lead author states that their findings suggested that air pollution plays a role in the development of dementia.

This is mainly through the intermediate step of cardiovascular illnesses and strokes. The researchers were studying about 3,000 adults for more than 11 years. The average age of the participants was 74.

Stroke and air pollution are most harmful

The study explained that while long-term exposure to air pollution was linked to dementia risk, this risk was higher for persons who suffered from a stroke.

About half of the dementia cases that they linked to air pollution exposure was explained by stroke. Researchers also noted that participants were residing in the Kungsholmen district where pollution levels are safely below international limits.

Scientists further extended their studies into mice. They found that there was a similar effect in the brain of mice after exposure to air pollution. The researchers exposed mice to air pollutants collected near busy roads.

This led to biological changes that usually cause brain damage and an increased level of protein amyloid.

This is still not enough to make a solid conclusion about the link between air pollution and dementia development.

It, however, shows that exposure to air pollution can lead to cognitive impairment. It is after the exposure brought forth symptoms like poor learning abilities, motor, and memory skills.

This is because, in the human brain, it is not automatic that amyloid protein on its own causes the development of dementia.

Closing Remarks

To give conclusive results on the issue of air pollution and dementia risk, scientists continue to conduct more studies to answer this question comprehensively.

The experts are taking into consideration pollution from different parts of the globe while using sophisticated techniques to try and establish if there is a direct link between air pollutants and dementia development.

Meanwhile, it is best for countries to start working on air quality to avoid some of the problems that are associated with air pollution.

Can Sauna Help Alleviate Dementia?

Rok Krivec Blog, Prevention January 30, 2021October 18, 2021dementia, sauna, sauna and dementia

Researchers have conducted several studies to find out if there is a link between the use of sauna and dementia risk.

One study reported that frequent use of the sauna could help to reduce the risk of developing dementia.

This was conducted by researchers from UEF (University of Eastern Finland). They filed their findings in the journal Age and Ageing in 2016.

Does Sauna Protect Against Dementia?

The study assessed the weekly sauna bathing habits of the participants. After this, the experts divided the study participants into three groups”

1. Those who spent about 15 minutes in the sauna 4-7 times in a week (200)
2. Participants who used the sauna 2-3 times a week (1513)
3. Those who only used the sauna once a week (601)

Basis of the Study

The participants of the study included 2,315 healthy men aged between 42-60 years. The study went on for more than two decades.

During the study period, the researchers diagnosed 123 cases of Alzheimer’s disease and 204 dementia cases. The sauna use research analyzed different types of data from the participants, such as:

Age
Body mass index
Smoking status
Systolic blood pressure
Alcohol consumption
Resting heart rate
Type 2 diabetes
Previous myocardial infarction
Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

The participants in the study used traditional Finnish saunas.

These are the versions that have dry air and recommended temperatures of about 80-100 degrees Celsius. The saunas also increase humidity temporarily by throwing water on the rocks installed inside the sauna heater.

Findings

The researchers stated that there was a link between the use of sauna and dementia risk. They concluded that using the sauna frequently helps to lower the risk of dementia.

The report indicated that the group that was using the sauna about 4-7 times in a week had a 66% lower chance of developing any dementia type.

Additionally, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease was 65 % lower in comparison to the group that was only using the sauna once a week.

Previously, there was a study from KIHD that reported that Finnish men who used 175 degrees dry heat sauna for 4-7 days a week had significantly low death rates resulting from cardiovascular diseases.

According to Jari Laukkanen, the professor who led this sauna research, frequent exposure to heat during sauna bathing not only protects memory, but it also protects the heart.

This is through similar mechanisms that experts do not clearly understand.

He continued to state that it is known that cardiovascular health also has effects on the brain in a statement the professor made to UEF.

The sense of relaxation and well-being that a person experiences during sauna might also play a crucial role.

The researchers, while conducting the study, also note that previous research also suggested that oxidative stress and inflammation were some of the factors that contributed to dementia development.

They explained that their findings were “biologically plausible” because using the saunas regularly reduces inflammation by enhancing vascular endothelial function.

The endothelium is the thin membrane lining found in the blood vessels.

Furthermore, the researchers also explained that their study addresses the use of sauna and dementia reduced risk because bathing in a sauna helps in lowering systemic blood pressure as well as elevated pulse pressure.

These two are well-known dementia risk factors.

Professor Laukkanen also added that while he thought the results of the study were generalizable to other populations in the northern part of the world like North America and Europe, he did not think the same in warmer countries.

Can Everyone Use Saunas?

Because there might be a beneficial link between the use of sauna and dementia risk, you may be wondering whether everyone can use a sauna facility.

While the saunas may be great for a wide range of conditions, they are not appropriate for everyone.

It is necessary that you consult your doctor before starting sauna bathing. This is especially important if you are pregnant or have an underlying medical condition.

Closing Remarks

The benefits people get from using the sauna might be a game-changer in the way the world views dementia.

Experts agree that while sauna use does not substitute exercise, it is a great way to complement a person’s workout routine.

The latest evidence supports the link between the use of sauna and dementia lowered risk because the exercise helps to enhance cardiovascular health reducing the risks of stroke and heart disease.

It also benefits blood vessels, factors that contribute to brain health, which can starve the development of dementia.

More research, however, still needs to be done to determine whether using saunas should be included in the recommendable interventions for preventing different forms of dementia.

Seeing that the study only focused on men, perhaps there also needs one on women to make the studies more inclusive and conclusive.

Doll Therapy Dementia [Know the Pros and Cons]

Rok Krivec Blog January 29, 2021November 19, 2023dementia, doll therapy

As a means of lessening the suffering burden for people with dementia, some experts recommend the use of doll therapy for dementia.

This is where caregivers use a baby doll or teddy bear to help a person deal with distress.

Typically used during the middle and late dementia stages, the dolls aim at improving the quality of living, comfort, and engagement.

Doll therapy has proved to be effective and beneficial for weak individuals over the years.

This is because it brings along numerous benefits to persons with dementia, such as:

Benefits of Doll Therapy for Dementia

Initiates Structure to a Person’s Life

By introducing doll therapy to a person with dementia, it can help to bring much-needed structure in their lives.

This, however, needs to be done in a controlled atmosphere rather than just giving the ill individual a doll to play with.

As part of taking care of the toy baby, the individual with dementia can wash, fold, and dress their doll. This helps to give responsibility to someone who is generally dependent on others.

Improves Communication

Some people with dementia normally have problems with verbalizing, something that doll therapy dementia can assist with.

As the person spends time with the doll or bear, they can start to speak again, even though not as fluently as before. This is usually part of a basic process that involves humming, singing, or speaking to the baby (doll) in its arms.

Dolls can also help people to express themselves better, especially in cases where they cannot communicate. It is common for people with dementia to use toys as communication tools.

They can signal that the doll wants some food, or it is cold, while in the real sense, they are cold or need to eat themselves.

Creates a Calming Effect

Doll therapy can also help to calm someone upset. Many people with dementia become agitated, unhappy, or depressed because they are bored and not engaged.

Doll therapy comes in handy to act as a distraction from upsetting, harmful, or dangerous events because the dolls give them something meaningful to do.

When working with a realistic doll, it can help enhance mood because they are designed to offer endless hours of smiles and hugs.

Increased Activity Levels

Another perk that may be associated with doll therapy for persons with dementia is that the enjoyment they get from holding or just being with a teddy bear or doll can help them become more active.

This might create pleasant feelings as well as a connection to the outside world.

With a renewed sense of purpose, the person undergoing doll therapy becomes livelier and also increases their activity levels.

Improved Appetite

Some people with dementia will eat and drink better thanks to doll therapy dementia.

In most cases, a person with the illness will not eat because they cannot communicate well, tired, or depressed among others.

Spending time with the doll may help to deal with a majority of the issues so that a person ends up eating better.

Mealtimes with the teddy bears by their side can also be more fun, motivating them to eat well.

Decrease in Wandering

Wandering is a problem that many persons with dementia face. Some do it because they are stressed, bored, or because they are afraid of something.

Thankfully, doll therapy can help curb this as it gives someone something valuable to do so that they do not have to be all over the place at all times.

In a way, doll therapy contributes to the safety of persons who are living with dementia.

Reduces Caregiver Stress

A majority of caregivers recommend doll therapy dementia.

This is because it tends to make their work a little bit easier, seeing that the therapy results in happier, and calmer persons who express themselves or communicate more.

The fact that doll therapy is self-administering also gives the caregivers more time to themselves.

Talking, dressing, changing, cuddling, and holding a doll engages and occupies the person who has dementia.

This is crucial because it gives them more energy and psyche to take better care of the persons with the illness.

No Side Effects or Medical Interactions

When talking about the perks of doll therapy dementia, it is important to note that this is one of the non-pharmacologic ways of dealing with challenging behaviors or emotions that may develop in the course of the illness.

Persons with dementia benefit significantly from this type of therapy because they do not have to deal with drug interactions or side effects.

Reduces the Need to Take Some Medications

Another advantage of using doll therapy on persons who have dementia is the fact that it can help to reduce the number of drugs that they are on.

This has a lot to do with the fact that it helps with calming down a person, which means that they may have less aggressive outbursts.

This implies that they can live without taking drugs that help with behaviors like aggression and agitation.

Cons

Although doll therapy dementia comes with loads of benefits, it also presents a few cons for people living with neurodegenerative diseases.

There are times, especially in the beginning where a person with dementia can view the introduction of a teddy bear or doll as an unwanted responsibility.

This is because they can see it as welcoming a sibling or grandchild in their youth.

Some people also think of the dolls or teddy bears as childish. Failed attempts to feed or communicate to the toy babies might also lead to distress, something you want to avoid with persons who have dementia.

Closing Thoughts

There is still a need to do more extensive research on doll therapy dementia. It has shown a lot of promise in offering comfort and purpose to those who have dementia.

Even though it still presents a few cons, it remains an option worth looking into concerning combating challenging behaviors like personality changes, anxiety, aggression, and agitation as well as improving the overall quality of life.

9 Best Therapy Dolls Reviewed 2021

Doll	Average Customer Rating	Features	Price
Baby Doll Therapy New Born	4.5 STARS	Designed for dementia Lifelike Fast shipping High quality Easy to wash clothes
Someone to Love Dolls	5.0 STARS (3 reviews)	Lifelike Quality doll Quality clothing Warm face 9 dolls to select from Easy ordering Prompt shipping
Comfort Companion Therapy Doll Holly	5.0 STARs (2 reviews)	Washable Colorful (sensory) Textured (sensory) Weighted body Affordable Soft to cuddle Fabric
Ashton - Drake Therapy Doll	4.4 STARS	Designed for Alzheimer’s Donates to charity Weighted Scented (sensory) Lifelike Vinyl & cotton
Baby Boy Doug Doll Therapy	4.5 STARS	Easy cleaning Low price Bath/shower All vinyl
CHAREX Reborn Sleeping Baby DollsCHAREX Reborn Sleeping Baby Dolls	4.3 STARS	Lifelike Details- wrinkles/features 5 piece ensemble Magnetic pacifier Weighted Boy/girl choice Low price Vinyl & silicone
JIZHI Lifelike Reborn Baby Dolls	4.4 STARS	Conforms to safety Lifelike Detail (wrinkles etc) Value for price Accessories Vinyl & cotton
Zero Pam Reborn Baby Dolls	4.1 STARS	Lifelike Non-toxic Fits newborn clothes Chubby face 6 accessories Feels lifelike Detail - wrinkles etc Easy to clean Has boy/girl parts Bathable Silicone & cloth
Kaydora Reborn Baby Doll	4.5 STARS	Lifelike Detail- wrinkles/fingernails Accessories Durable & sturdy Weighted Value for price Male/female dolls Silicone & cotton