This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
As Kenya's baby boomer generation enters its sunset years, concerns about dementia are growing. In this article, we explore the early signs of dementia and what you can do to manage the condition.
Published on November 19, 2019, at 21:57, this article highlights the importance of recognizing the early signs of dementia, particularly for those with a history of the condition in their family.
According to Dr. [no doctor mentioned in the source], dementia is not a single condition, and its causes are varied. The symptoms may be similar, but the treatment is different. Therefore, it is essential to seek the opinion of an expert if you suspect a loved one has dementia.
Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, typically age-related and starting in the 60s. Other causes include vascular diseases, infections such as HIV, and dementia associated with alcohol use.
Early memory loss is one of the earliest indicators of dementia. Losing keys, forgetting appointments, and forgetting to check on the cooking pot are common signs. As the condition progresses, difficulties in solving simple problems or performing simple tasks may arise.
For example, a 75-year-old man who lived in Nairobi his entire life got lost in the city centre and couldn't locate his car. Another man kept accusing his wife of hiding things in the house because he kept forgetting where he had placed personal items like his phone.
Typically, memory loss is for recent events, such as a conversation with a spouse or shopkeeper. Memory for events during the emergency years or earlier could remain intact, surprising the family.
