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Dementia is a word that often brings fear and confusion. It’s a condition where someone starts to lose their memory, struggles to think clearly, or even finds it hard to do simple everyday things. It’s heartbreaking to watch a loved one go through this, but understanding the causes can make all the difference. Here, we’ll talk about the three main reasons behind dementia—Alzheimer’s disease, problems with blood flow to the brain, and something called Lewy body dementia—in simple terms, so you can understand and take action.

1. Alzheimer’s Disease: The Memory Thief

Imagine your loved one slowly forgetting the most precious moments of their life. That’s what Alzheimer’s does. It’s the most common cause of dementia and happens because of changes in the brain that make it harder for the brain cells to work properly.

What to Look For:

• Forgetting important conversations or events.
• Struggling to solve simple problems or make decisions.
• Changes in mood, like becoming unusually quiet or irritable.

How You Can Help:

While there’s no way to completely stop Alzheimer’s, activities like simple puzzles, healthy meals, and gentle exercises can help keep the brain active.

2. Vascular Dementia: When the Brain’s Blood Flow is Blocked

Think of your brain like a plant—it needs a steady flow of water (or blood) to stay healthy. When something stops that flow, like a stroke or high blood pressure, it can lead to vascular dementia.

What to Watch Out For:

• Sudden confusion, especially after a health scare like a stroke.
• Difficulty staying focused or organized.
• Feeling down or showing little interest in usual activities.

What You Can Do:

Encourage healthier habits like walking, eating balanced meals, and keeping conditions like high blood pressure under control. These small steps can make a huge difference.

3. Lewy Body Dementia: The Troublemaker of the Mind and Body

This type of dementia often tricks the senses, making people see things that aren’t there or feel stiff and slow, like in Parkinson’s disease. It can even cause changes in sleep patterns, making rest difficult.

Signs to Notice:

• Sudden moments of being very alert followed by confusion.
• Seeing things that others can’t (hallucinations).
• Slower movements or stiffness.

How to Manage It:

Building a predictable daily routine and creating a calm environment can help reduce the stress this condition brings.

You’re Not Alone: The DAMS Programme at Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre

Watching a loved one battle dementia is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Vazhikatti Mental Health Centre, we’ve created the DAMS Programme - Dementia Assessment and Management Solutions - focusing on early detection, personalized treatment, and to provide families with the guidance and support they need.

At Vazhikatti, we believe that every person deserves to live with dignity and joy, no matter their challenges. If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one, don’t wait. Let’s face this together, one step at a time.

Reach out to us today to learn how the DAMS Programme can make a difference. Your loved one deserves the best care and so do you.