By The Editor
Because of medical advance and improved health care system people now live longer and still remain quite active even after retirement from their professional engagement. However, senior citizens cannot compare themselves with young, growing adults who are full of zest and energy and therefore ought not to be over-active nor indulge in activities which may affect their health. They should understand and respect their own bodies by not crossing limitations either in diet or exercises which may lead to complications, the most common nowadays being memory loss commonly known as dementia. Two conditions, senile dementia and pre-senile dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, have similar symptoms and similar progression which affect people as they grow older. Patient’s intellect, personality and physical condition begin to deteriorate after crossing age 60 or even earlier depending on environment, genetic inheritance and family historical background.
Some of the outward signs of dementia are forgetfulness, loss of sense of time, inability to think clearly or comprehend complex ideas, confusion on people’s identity and stammering in mid- conversation, etc. Causes of dementia are still unknown though research is in progress which connect it with loss of nerve cells in the brain due to process of aging. Family’s support is highly essential and help will be required with shopping and other out-door activities. Older persons should not be confined within four walls of a room and socialisation with friends and acquaintances are of great help. They should be well guarded against open fire and electrical appliances. Researchers have lately found that vitamin D supplements may help ward off dementia and they have recommended that as soon as symptoms are detected resorting to these supplements as early as possible will have much effect.
Scientists at the University of Calgary in Canada and the University of Exeter in the UK (United Kingdom) have been exploring the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and dementia in more than 12,388 participants of the US (United States) National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center. The study found that taking vitamin D was associated with living dementia- free for longer. The team also found 40 per cent fewer dementia diagnoses in the group who took supplements the effects being significantly greater in females than males. Research conducted earlier showed that low levels of vitamin D are linked to higher dementia risk. Vitamin D clears the brain from any dangerous elements/substances thus helping older persons to lead longer healthier life. In less developed nations like India due to high population rise and growing urbanisation people are developing dementia even after they cross the age of 50. Meghalaya also is experiencing the same situation because of style of living in which people are deprived of proper diet and regular exercise and health department is expected to make survey in this regard so that government can provide treatment as early as possible before patient’s condition becomes worse.