Understanding Dementia and why it's a leading cause of death

Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities due to abnormal changes in a human being’s brain.

According to medical experts, Alzheimer’s disease, characterised by brain changes, is the most common cause of dementia.

“The main cause of Alzheimer's disease and its signs and symptoms. Alzheimer's is a chronic brain disease,” says Dr. Edna Bosire, a medical anthropologist at the Aga Khan University.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Alzheimer's causes brain shrinkage and a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and functionality, eventually leading to brain death.

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The Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute has launched research projects on Alzheimer's and its risk factors in Kenya.

Dr Bosire explained how they collect samples to study why some individuals remain unaffected by Alzheimer’s despite exposure to stressors.

“We are collecting biospecimen samples to understand the risk factors for African or Kenyan populations. Some people experience stress but continue to thrive, showing resilience. We are studying this resilience,” she said on Spice FM on Friday, September 20.

Causes of Dementia

Certain factors increase the risk of developing dementia, including age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, and social isolation.

However, Bosire noted that not all risk factors apply to the local context.

“For example, alcohol abuse contributes to about one percent of Alzheimer's cases in developed countries. But here, we know alcohol consumption is high, and tolerance may differ,” she said.

The study aims to identify and support those struggling with these risk factors. Researchers are using saliva, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid samples to detect Alzheimer’s risk.

They are also collecting biomarkers to identify individuals with genetic traits that may offer better-coping mechanisms against the disorder.

Dementia is the seventh leading cause of death globally and a major cause of disability and dependency among older adults, according to WHO.

Dr. Edna Bosire: The main cause of Alzheimer's disease and its signs and symptoms. Alzheimer's is a chronic brain disease.#TheSituationRoom

Follow our live conversation on YouTube: https://t.co/fQ1MkOQjlH@bossedna1 & @AKU_BMI pic.twitter.com/HUA4Xkbulr — SpiceFM (@SpiceFMKE) September 20, 2024

Symptoms of Dementia

Its symptoms include forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation, difficulty solving problems, and visual misjudgment of distances.

While dementia typically affects people over 60, Bosire noted that younger individuals in Kenya are also being diagnosed.

Prevention

She recommended practicing healthy nutrition, exercising regularly, and engaging in early education and social activities to reduce the condition’s impact.

The institute is also using technology to monitor brain activity and assist with diagnosis. However, Bosire pointed out a lack of government awareness initiatives on Alzheimer’s.

“The Brain and Mind Institute is setting up facilities for this work, but we need to take it seriously. It’s not just about the elderly; we are all at risk. The government needs to raise awareness,” she said.

The institute has taken steps to educate communities about brain health and resilience to increase awareness about dementia.