Dementia, a distressing collection of neurodegenerative diseases, is among the leading causes of death in the US. It gradually erodes family ties over many years. While the scientific community strives to find a cure, early identification of symptoms remains pivotal to ensure timely intervention using available treatment options.
The growth rate of Alzheimer’s dementia in America is alarmingly high, with more than 6 million individuals of all age groups affected by the disease.
The year 2023 sees approximately 6.7 million individuals aged 65 and above grappling with Alzheimer’s. A significant 73% of these individuals are aged 75 or older.
Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia contribute to the demise of one in three seniors. The disease has a higher fatality rate than both breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
Following a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, people aged 65 and above tend to live between four and eight years on average, though some can live with Alzheimer’s for up to 20 years. This variance reflects the unpredictable, gradual progression of the disease.
Ongoing scientific research aims to devise new treatment methods and possibly a cure. Current advancements have shed light on early dementia symptom detection.
These early signs may manifest in seemingly harmless situations, like while on vacation.
Consider, for example, when one visits a hotel, in the UK or elsewhere, which offers a breakfast buffet.
One’s behavior at the buffet can hint at a potential dementia diagnosis.
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), for instance, is believed to cause compulsive overeating.
Dr. Josh Woolley from the UCSF Memory and Aging Clinic has suggested a connection between FTD and overeating. He writes, “FTD is a disease in which parts of the brain atrophy and it leads to compulsive overeating. I’m hoping we might learn something about the brain circuitry involved, and about why people overeat in general.”
UCSF’s study discovered a tendency for FTD patients to consume more food than those without the condition. Dr. Woolley clarified, “You’re not full because your stomach is physically full. You’re full because your brain tells you not to eat any more.”
Interestingly, despite FTD patients consuming more, they didn’t demonstrate substantial weight gain. The reason behind this remains a mystery.
Simultaneously, a recent study has linked walking speed to dementia risk. The research indicated that individuals with a slower pace were more likely to develop dementia compared to their faster counterparts.
While this discovery might worry slower walkers, it does not confirm a guaranteed diagnosis. Other risk factors like age, isolation, diet, and a family history of dementia have a more significant influence.
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