Memory difficulties are often regarded as part of
normal ageing. While this perception could be correct, such difficulties
most often signify an abnormal decline of brain function. In view of this
matter, a webinar titled “The Cognitive Brain: Dementing Illness at a
Glance” was organised as part of the Mind Your Brain Series by UTAR Centre
for Corporate and Community Development in collaboration with Malaysia
Mental Literacy Movement and Centre for Research on Non-Communicable
Diseases under UTAR M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK
FMHS) on 16 November 2022 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Prof Andrew Law
The webinar was delivered by Geriatric
Neuropsychiatrist Prof Andrew Law. Prof Andrew Law is also head of the
department of Psychiatry under the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland &
University College Dublin (Malaysia Campus).
During the webinar, Prof Andrew Law explained
dementia and shared the background of Alzheimer’s disease, the warning signs
of Alzheimer’s disease, behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
(BPSD) and the treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. He said, “The major risk
factor of Alzheimer’s disease is age; as the person gets older the chances
of getting Alzheimer’s disease will increase significantly. Besides, a
person with a family history, head injury, down syndrome or cardiovascular
disease has a high chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well.”
The warning signs of Alzheimer’s
disease
He also talked about Type III Diabetes and mixed
vascular malformations besides explaining how to reduce the risk of
dementia. Some of the ways include being physically active, being socially
active, challenging the brain; keeping the brain active, eating healthily,
managing stress and making conscious and safe choices with safe hobbies,
limiting alcohol, stopping smoking, and having regular medical check-ups.
The “Type III” Diabetes
“Getting old does not mean ‘getting senile’ and
dementia is an illness. There are different warning signs of dementia, not
only ‘forgetfulness’. We cannot cure dementia for the time being, but we can
improve and sustain the quality of life of the patient and family. Earlier
diagnosis means earlier treatment, leading to better outcomes. Alzheimer’s
disease is ‘Type III diabetes’. Cardiovascular health and brain health go
hand-in-hand; better the blood, better the brain,” he finally added.
To watch the full webinar, kindly click
here.
Wholly owned by UTAR Education Foundation (200201010564(578227-M)) LEGAL STATEMENT TERM OF USAGE PRIVACY NOTICE