Dr. Sadiq is family practice physician with WNY Medical. One of Dr. Sadiq’s areas of expertise is in geriatrics and dementia.

Dementia is a brain disorder that makes it hard to remember, think clearly, make decisions, or even control your emotions.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common type of dementia. About 60% to 80% of people who have dementia have Alzheimer’s affecting more than 6 million people in the United States. It’s a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time, and it usually affects people over 65 years old. Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. The disease occurs when proteins (called plaques) and fibers (called tangles) build up in your brain and block nerve signals and destroy nerve cells. Memory loss may be mild at first, but symptoms become worse over time. It gets more difficult to carry on a conversation or perform everyday tasks. Confusion, aggression, and mood changes are other common symptoms. At the final stage, it even gets impossible for patients to remember how to chew their food because their brains cannot receive any signals. I cannot stress hard enough how important it is to catch it at an early stage.

Memory impairment can be divided into two categories:

• Benign forgetfulness 

• Malignant memory loss. 

Benign forgetfulness can happen to anyone at any age, but the majority of people are over age 65. It is annoying but not serious. Benign forgetfulness is normal and can happen to everyone, such as forgetting where you parked your car, or recognizing someone at a social gathering but being unable to recall their name. They are all too common and normal.

On the other hand, malignant memory loss can be a sign of dementia. It is crucial to know the difference because if you discover dementia at an early stage, you can actually slow down the progression through medications.  If it is found too late, the medications can have no effect.  

There are actually four ways to self-diagnose your symptoms:

• First, short-term memory loss can be a sign of dementia. If you have trouble recalling things that occurred in short term, there is more of a chance that it is a symptom of dementia. Let’s say, you forget what you just ate, or what you watched on TV a while ago, but you can vividly remember the things that happened a long time ago, like ten years.  You have a higher possibility of having dementia. There is also a type of dementia that has to do with long-term memory loss. 

• Second, illogical forgetfulness. Let say, you left your cellphone in a taxi, it can happen to anyone. However, if you left your phone in the freezer, that is illogical. You can leave your coat in your office, but let say if it was very cold day, then you should be concerned. 

• Third, you can’t recall the memory even when someone reminds you. For instance, you forgot about the plans you made with your friends. It can happen.  However, if you have no recollection of even discussing or making those plans, then it could be an early indicator of dementia. 

• Lastly, it is when someone else is worried about your forgetfulness. It is common to worry about memory impairment. However, when it comes to dementia, you do not have this self-awareness of your symptoms. 90% of those who see their doctor for memory concerns are not the one who should be worried.  It is rather more dangerous when a friend or family member expresses concern. Then, you really should take the next steps to configure the problem. 

If you have experienced any of these four symptoms, you should go see your family doctor as soon as possible. If you discover the disease early enough, you may benefit from medications.

There are 3 main areas of focus in prevention

of dementia:

Lifestyle Habits

• Physical activity plays are very important part. Walking for 15 minutes a day, preferably in the sunlight, helps maintain the hippocampus in your brain that plays important roles in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory. 

• Eat lots of foods with Vitamin B, Vitamin E, and zinc –Such as almonds, berries, fennel seeds. A DASH or Mediterranean diet is highly recommended. Avoid processed foods.

• Get a good night’s sleep and plenty of rest. This allows the body to repair itself.

Medical Conditions

• Practice good hygiene

• Don’t smoke

• Manage and treat heart problems. Heart attacks and stroke are often linked to dementia.

• Control blood sugar and high blood pressure

• Test hearing – can be linked to dementia

• Head Trauma – protect your brain by wearing your seat belt, a bike helmet when riding your bike, and avoid falls by clearing household objects that may be in the way.

Socialization

• Keep being productive. Learn new things, continue working, play games.

• Stay connected. Join groups, visit with friends and family, play sports, visit a gym or senior center. Activities can have a positive effect on brain health.

More detailed information is available on the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Association websites. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sadiq please visit WNYMedical.com or call 716-923-4380.