Let's learn about the disease of dementia

　Dementia is a brain disease that everyone can suffer. Dementia refers to a condition in which brain cells die for various reasons or work poorly, causing various disorders and hindering living (continued for more than 6 months) . The higher the age, the higher the likelihood of the disease.
It is said that the incidence increases from the age of 65, and one in four people over 85 years old.
　There is also juvenile dementia that occurs in young people under the age of 65. Juvenile dementia is a case under the age of 64 and still under the age of 64. Because it develops during the prime of work, it is not possible to do enough work and housework, and it has a large effect on the person himself / herself, and causes various problems.

　The brain has its own role in each part. There are various parts, such as the parts that have a sense of seeing and listening, the parts that carry exercise, and the parts that carry memory. There are various types of dementia depending on where the brain is impaired.

　When protein called beta (beta) amyloid accumulates in the brain over a long period of 20 or 30 years, the function of cells in the brain is gradually lost and died, and the brain is atrophy and the function is generally reduced. To go.
　The progression is slow, but the symptoms vary as the whole brain is atrophy. This is the most common type of dementia.

　Dementia in which nutrients and oxygen are no longer distributed to nerve cells due to cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral arteriosclerosis, etc., resulting in death of nerve cells in that part or break the nerve network. There are two types: one that suddenly develops and progresses stepwise, and one that develops gently and progresses slowly. Symptoms vary depending on the damaged brain.

　Dementia that occurs when cells in the brain are damaged by the accumulation of a substance called Levy body in the brain. It is characterized by hallucinations and Parkinson symptoms (slow movement, limb, muscle stiffness, etc.) that appear to be invisible.

　It is caused by atrophy of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, and the onset age tends to be younger. It is characterized by an increase in antisocial behavior, such as being unbearable, becoming angry, and taking selfish actions that are not suitable for the spot (such as pick disease).

　There are various causes of dementia. Vitamin deficiency due to lack of vitamins and hypoglycemia with too low blood sugar levels can also cause dementia, and dementia stems from alcoholism and drug dependence.
　In addition, there are dementia that can be cured by early diagnosis, such as chronic subdural hematoma and normal pressure hydrocephalusia, which can be cured by receiving appropriate treatment such as surgery. Some diseases, such as depression, have symptoms that are likely to be mistaken for dementia.

　(Note) Not all people with brain impairments may have dementia.

　Source: Yokohama City Dementia Supporter Training Course Text (edited / Issuance Certified NPO Citizen Sector Yokohama Social Welfare Corporation Yokohama City Japan National Council of Social Welfare City of Yokohama, Health and Social Welfare Bureau Elderly Home Support Division)

According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2020, the number of patients per 100,000 population is 50.9, which is a relatively rare disease.

The secret to maintaining a healthy brain lies in your daily mind.

Point 1 Reduce the risk of onset

　Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular dementia are associated with lifestyle-related diseases (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, etc.). It has been found that daily life management leads to the prevention of dementia, such as trying to eat abundant vegetables, fruits, and seafood, and acquiring regular exercise habits.

Point 2 Aiming to activate the brain

　The important thing is to have fun and continue with your family and friends.
● Have a role in your hobbies, work, home or community.
● Let's cherish people's relationships.
(Example) Go, mahjong, reading aloud, calculation, etc.

Source: Yokohama City Dementia Supporter Training Course Text (edited / Issuance Certified NPO Citizen Sector Yokohama Social Welfare Corporation Yokohama City Japan National Council of Social Welfare City of Yokohama, Health and Social Welfare Bureau Elderly Home Support Division)