Any cognitive impairment that is severe enough to interfere with independent, day-to-day functioning is referred to as dementia. It is more accurate to describe dementia as a syndrome than as a single illness.1 As people age, not everyone will have it, but it mostly affects the elderly. Age (with dementia more common in those over 65), hypertension, or high blood pressure, diabetes, raised blood glucose, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, physical inactivity, social isolation, and depression are some variables that increase the risk of dementia. Dementia can also occur in young age or newborn babies as it can also transfer from parents in some cases. In these types of Dementia, it is very important to cure newborns as soon as possible with the help of special treatments. A person's personality may also change because of dementia because some people do not have enough capacity to control their emotions.²

Symptoms of dementia:

Among the early warning indicators and symptoms include forgetting things, losing or misplacing objects, getting lost while walking or driving, and getting lost even in familiar places, losing track of time when making decisions, resolving conflicts, or struggling to find the appropriate things to say in following conversations, doing daily tasks, miscalculating object`s optical distances. NMDA-receptor antagonist, memantine, was approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia in Sweden.² It's normal for memory loss to cause behavioural and mood changes, such as anxiety, depression, or rage. Changes in personality, inappropriate behaviour, lack of attendance at work or in social situations demonstrating a lack of empathy.

Causes of dementia:

The most prevalent cause of Dementia is reduced blood supply to the brain because of strokes or other vascular problems. A brain condition known as Lewy Body Dementia is linked to aberrant protein accumulation. The loss of nerve cells in the brain's frontal and temporal lobes is the hallmark of frontotemporal dementia. Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is commonly caused by vascular injuries in cerebral large and small vessels.³ Combining elements of multiple dementia types, mixed dementia frequently includes vascular and Alzheimer's dementia. In terms of Genetics, hereditary factors may be involved, as some genes are linked to a higher risk. In terms of age, Dementia risk rises with age in most cases, Severe head trauma, particularly recurrent concussions, may be a factor. Dementia may be associated with conditions such as HIV, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Cardiovascular issues, smoking, and inactivity can all raise the risk. Recognising and treating the many causes of dementia are made easier with an understanding of these aspects.⁵

Dementia in children:

Dementia in young children is quite rare, but it can occur in some cases. It is known as childhood or early- onset dementia. This condition affects the brain's function and causes a decline in cognitive abilities, just like dementia in older adults. Dementia in Children can be diagnosed if your child has trouble concentrating or has disturbed sleep cycle. Anxiety and Fear can also be the symptoms of Dementia in Children. Numerous genetic abnormalities, metabolic issues, and neurological diseases can all contribute to childhood dementia. Progressive declines in thinking, memory, language, and motor skills may result from these diseases. Coping with the changes and uncertainty that accompany this condition can be difficult for the child and their family. To manage childhood dementia, early diagnosis and management is essential. A multidisciplinary approach is used, involving educators, therapists, and medical specialists. The goals of treatment are symptom management, supportive care, and raising the child's standard of living. Mendelian illness, which is brought on by a mutation in one of the dementia genes, is the primary cause of early-onset dementia in a tiny percentage of families with an autosomal dominant family history.⁴

Management:

It's critical to remember that dementia care is personalized and may change based on the individual's requirements and preferences, as well as the type and stage of the disease. A thorough care plan and ongoing communication with medical specialists will guarantee efficient management and assistance for dementia patients. To effectively manage dementia, assistance from medical professionals such as physicians, nurses, and therapists is crucial. They can offer advice on how to take medications, counselling, and emotional support, in addition to assistance with future planning. By giving daily care, maintaining a safe environment, and providing emotional support are also essential in the management of dementia. The knowledge, cooperation, and communication of healthcare professionals, as well as cognitive and functional impairment, all have an impact on pain management in dementia patients.⁵

Treatment:

A variety of techniques are used in dementia treatment. Dementia cannot be cured, yet there are helpful strategies. Medication is used to treat symptoms like memory loss or behavioural abnormalities. Important components of dementia care also include fostering a supportive environment, participating in cognitively stimulating activities, and offering emotional support. Essential but often overlooked aspect of the neurological care provided to the aged population is the treatment of dementia. For any of the neurodegenerative dementias, there are currently no disease-modifying therapies available. The ability to enhance the quality of life for dementia patients is one benefit of treatment for the disease. Better cognitive function, less behavioural symptoms, and more general well-being can be achieved by people with dementia by medication, treatment, and supportive care. Involving loved ones and carers in the therapeutic process can also improve the patient's sense of connection and belonging and foster a supportive environment. These elements help people with dementia lead more purposeful and happy lives.⁶