Dementia is among the most common universal age-related disease where an individual gets to experience progressive and irreversible cognitive decline. The aspect of genetics greatly influences the age-related disease of dementia. Genetics may influence the probability of one suffering from dementia because they may be having the genetic market linked to Alzheimer's disease. This is also linked to the experience that comes with seeing a family member suffering from the same condition (Belsky, 2010).
The three principles of age-related disease development state that developing a chronic disease is classified as normal aging only at its extreme, will an individual finds challenging in performing activities of daily living. At this point, it is stated that one's lifespan has a defined limit. In predicting the course of development of dementia, it would imply that one’s genetic history would predict the probability that they develop dementia (Karasek, 2006). The symptoms would include; forgetting semantic information, one makes impaired judgment; language is compromised, and one's executive functions are impaired. In the long run, all activities of daily living may be impaired, and other infectious diseases may come in leading to death as a potential outcome.
In order to upgrade the quality of an individual going through the process of aging, It's recommended that youthful ones join them in physical, as well as mental exercises. Their parents and guardians ensure access to healthful and nutritious food (Rattan &Kassem, 2006). This would mean that as one grows older they can live with potential chronic diseases that may develop with old age, and if possible the disease would not be severe. It is important for those who have a history of dementia to visit a doctor for early detection.
Today, SES communities are working with the elderly to ensure that they are living in safe environments. Increased chances of making impaired judgment, resulting from memory loss not only put the lives of the elderly, but also the younger generation at risk. The SES conducts trainings and awareness programs to improve on the quality of life that the elderly suffering from dementia live.
Questions
What are the side effects of long term use of medication as a method of potential intervention to effectively dealing with dementia?
How does socioeconomic status influence the development of dementia as an age-related disease?
References
Belsky, J. (2010). Experiencing the lifespan. New York: Worth Publishers.
Karasek, M. (2006).Aging and age-related diseases: The basics. New York: Nova Science Publishers.
Rattan, S. I. S., &Kassem, M. (2006).Prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. Dordrecht: Springer.
