Social dimension of Dementia and prevention at the individual level. Burden of caregiving is touched upon too. This is not a presentation intended for healthcare professionals

1. World Alzheimer’s Month
Never too Early, Never too Late!
Col (Dr) MP Cariappa, MBBS, MD
Military Veteran
Public Health Specialist
Technical Advisor
Son, Husband, Father….

3. ‘Never too early, Never too late’
Cognitive health is something we should all
be proactive about throughout our lives.
● Focus on risk factors
● Ongoing risk reduction for those who
have already been diagnosed.
● Crucial role of risk reduction in
○ staving off, delaying or
○ potentially even preventing dementia.
September is
World Alzheimer’s
Month
To raise dementia
awareness and
challenge stigma.

6. What does a “risk factor” mean?
A risk factor is anything that increases the probability of
developing a disease.
The more risk factors you have for a particular
disease, the higher your risk of developing it.
 Having a risk factor does not mean that you will
definitely develop dementia.
 It simply means that you are at an increased risk.
 By identifying and managing your risk factors, you can
reduce your chances of developing dementia.

7. Risk Reduction
● It's never too early, or too late for
individuals to be proactive and take
action to reduce their likelihood of
developing dementia
● Those who have been diagnosed with
dementia should continue to practice
risk reduction activities which could help
them live better and longer.

8. Cognitive health is the ability to think, learn, and remember.
A part of overall well-being.
Dementia?

9. Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
What is the Difference?
Dementia is a general term
for a decline in mental ability
severe enough to interfere
with daily life,
while Alzheimer's is a
specific disease.
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia.

10. What causes Alzheimer’s?
● Scientists don't yet fully understand what
causes Alzheimer's disease in most people.
● The causes probably include a combination of
○ age-related changes in the brain,
○ genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Older age does not cause Alzheimer’s, but it is the
most important known risk factor for the disease.
Many people live into their 90s and beyond without
ever developing dementia.

11. Genetics &
Alzheimer's disease

12. Role of Imaging
 MRI can detect brain abnormalities
associated with mild cognitive
impairment and can be used to predict
which patients may eventually develop
Alzheimer's disease.
 In the early stages of Alzheimer's
disease, an MRI scan of the brain may
be normal.
 In later stages, MRI may show a
decrease in the size of different areas
of the brain

13. Statistics
The number of people living with dementia
will almost triple by 2050
~ 55 million ~ 4 million

14. Am I at risk?
College Principal– Bengal
PhD, Age 65 years
Police Officer - Punjab
LLB, Age 93 years
Army Officer - Coorg
BA, Age 86 years
Govt Officer – Tamil Nadu
BE, MBA, Age 68 years

15. Cognitive Impairment ?
 feeling anxious, sad, or angry
about memory loss
 personality changes
 inappropriate behaviour
 withdrawal from work or social
activities
 being less interested in other
people’s emotions.
 forgetting things or recent events
 losing or misplacing things
 getting lost when walking or driving
 being confused, even in familiar places
 losing track of time
 difficulties solving problems or making
decisions
 problems following conversations or
trouble finding words
 difficulties performing familiar tasks
 misjudging distances to objects visually.
Early signs and symptoms Common changes in
mood and behaviour

16. When in doubt……

17. What Is Brain Health?
• Cognitive health — how well you think,
learn, and remember
• Motor function — how well you make and
control movements, including balance
• Emotional function — how well you interpret
and respond to emotions
• Tactile function — how well you feel and
respond to sensations of touch and pressure

18. ‘Blue Zones’ are geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and
longer life expectancy.
Italy, Greece, Japan, Costa Rica

19. Top Tips for Brain Health

20. What about diet (s) ?
Vitamin Supplements
Healthy Balanced Diet

21. What is a healthy, balanced diet?
• At least 5 portions of fruits and veggies / day.
• < 10% of total energy intake from sugars
• < 30% of total energy intake from fats.
• Unsaturated fats are preferred fats.
• < 5 g of iodized salt per day
1500-1700 kcal / day *
* Consult a dietitian / nutritionist!

22. Alcohol and Dementia ?
If you drink, Drink Less!!
If you don’t drink, Don’t Start!

23. What if……?

25. Dementia – A perspective
Early
Initial stages
Moderate
Severe

26. Wherever you are on this road journey through life….

27. To the world you are just 1 in 7 billion
To those who care for you, you are the world!

28. Make memories today!
Spend time with friends and family

29. Talking about brain health with others…
Initiating the Conversation
● about potential cognitive issues,
 emphasizing empathy and
understanding.
Let us normalize having
family conversations
about
aging, disabilities and death.
“Don’t Ask…… Don’t Tell”??
Active engagement with
● Friends
● Family
● Neighbours

30. Why tell others about a diagnosis
● As any chronic disease
progresses, you will need the
support of those who know and
understand you.
● Concealing or denying your
diagnosis will limit your ability to
cope with the challenges ahead.
● While some relationships may be
tested by what you are revealing,
other relationships may be
strengthened.
● It is normal to experience fear
or discomfort about sharing a
diagnosis.
● Talking openly with those you
trust is a powerful way to
educate those around you
about the disease and to
engage their support.

31. ● Who are the people you feel closest
to?
● Who will continue to support you with
a diagnosis?
● Who are you responsible for telling?
(spouse, partner, children, friends)
● Some individuals choose to
share a diagnosis with just
their closest family and friends,
● While others may be
comfortable sharing a
diagnosis with a broader group
of people.
● Assess your personal comfort
level before making this
decision.
Deciding whom to tell

32. Tips for families of individuals in early stages
Take baby steps. Let others know that
the affected person is
still the same person!
Take up offers of
assistance to make
life easier.
Let others know that
everyone will have evolving
reactions over time.
Dispel incorrect
information

33. For those diagnosed with …
● Plan ahead of time.
● Involve your
friends and family
in such plans
 Stay physically active.
 Eat healthy!
 Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
 Get regular medical check-ups.
 Write down everyday tasks and
appointments to help you remember
 Keep up your hobbies and do things
that you enjoy.
 Spend time with friends and family
and engage in community life.
Over time, it may be harder
to make important decisions
for yourself and your
finances
Never too early, Never too late!

34. Sharing accurate
information is key to
dispelling misconceptions
about the disease.
It is important to stay
engaged in meaningful
relationships and activities.
Tips to overcome ‘isolation’
Engage in conversations
about the condition.
Denial of the disease by others
is not a reflection of you
Yours is the most powerful
voice to help raise awareness
and end stigma
Be open and direct. Communicate
the facts.
Seek support and
stay connected.
Don't be discouraged. Be a part of the solution.

35. Healthy ageing is all about
“Adding life to your years, and not just years to your life!”

36. Wishing you all, health and happiness!
If you would like to connect ….
drcariappa@deltazuluconsultancy.com
deltazuluconsultancy.com