Understanding Dementia: More Than Just Forgetfulness

Dementia mainly affects adults over the age of 65, and the risk increases with age. Epidemiological data indicate that approximately 10% of individuals aged 70 years and older are affected. Dr. Ho Nga Lei Lily, Specialist in Psychiatry, emphasizes that early recognition of cognitive decline, followed by timely assessment and treatment, can slow progression and help maintain quality of life.

Dr. Ho explains that short‑term memory is usually the first to deteriorate—for example, forgetting whether one has just eaten—while long‑term memories are often preserved. Dementia results from changes in brain cells that impair memory, comprehension, and judgment, eventually affecting daily living and emotional well‑being.

🚨 9 Warning Signs of Dementia

• Persistent forgetfulness that disrupts daily life (e.g., forgetting to turn off the stove)

• Personality or mood changes

• Difficulty with thinking or problem‑solving

• Declining judgment

• Confusion with familiar activities or environments (e.g., forgetting how to cook a usual meal)

• Disorientation with time or place

• Trouble with language, speaking, or writing

• Unusual behavior or emotional responses

• Loss of motivation in daily life

  
  

Experts recommend early diagnosis and treatment. With medication and cognitive training, progression can be slowed, helping patients maintain independence and dignity.

Types of Dementia

There are several forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dr. Ho Nga Lei Lily notes that Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, accounting for 50–70% of cases. Its cause remains unclear, but it progresses gradually as plaques accumulate in the brain, damaging neural connections. Over time, memory and function decline, and in advanced stages, patients may require full‑time care.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Ho stresses that early diagnosis allows patients to begin treatment and training sooner. Assessment usually starts with a clinical interview and family observations, followed by blood tests, ECG, CT scans, or MRI to identify underlying causes and design a personalized treatment plan.

Common treatment strategies include:

• Medication:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors (oral or patch) to improve neurotransmission

  • Glutamate receptor antagonists for moderate to severe stages

  • Psychiatric medications to manage behavioral and emotional symptoms

• Non‑pharmacological interventions:

  • Cognitive training, music therapy, multi‑sensory stimulation

  • Daily encouragement to try new activities, exercise, and mental stimulation

• Supportive tools:

• Pill organizers, reminder apps, and caregiver support to ensure medication adherence

  
  

By combining medication with non‑drug interventions, patients can slow decline and improve quality of life.

Interview with Dr Ho Nga Lei Lily, Specialist in Psychiatry

Published on Healthy:D "Understanding Dementia: More Than Just Forgetfulness"

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