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Decoding dementia

It affects 55 million people globally - the condition that impairs memory, thinking and the ability to make decisions. The number of sufferers is growing by nearly 10 million cases a year. For the caregivers and loved ones helping them cope, life is turned upside down. In this series, SCMP contributor Anthea Rowan - whose mother has Alzheimer's disease - presents the research into dementia’s causes and treatment; advice for caregivers on helping dementia patients while protecting their own well-being - and stories of hope.

Updated: 28 Oct, 2024
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[1]

My mum has Alzheimer’s. What caring for her has taught me about dementia

Anthea Rowan knew little about dementia until her mother forgot who her daughter was. For her, delving into research is key to preventing or delaying the condition in herself.

14 Jan, 2023
Author Anthea Rowan (right) with her mother.
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[2]

Dementia can’t be cured so why get a brain scan to check for it? Here’s why

With no dementia cure, it can be daunting to get a brain scan to test for signs. But research shows 9 years can elapse between its showing on imaging and symptoms starting – giving time to form defensive habits.

29 Jan, 2023
It can be daunting to get a brain scan to test for signs of dementia, but a neurologist behind new research reveals the advantages of knowing early. Photo: Shutterstock
[3]

Why women are more likely to develop dementia, and how to lower your risk

Women may be at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s than men for a number of reasons: biological, societal or cultural. Experts suggest exercise and social engagement can help offset the risk.

13 Feb, 2023
Women may be at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s than men for a number of reasons: biological, societal or cultural. Experts suggest exercise and social engagement can help offset the risk. Photo: Getty Images
[4]

How high – or low – blood pressure increases the risk of dementia

If your blood pressure is too high or low, you have a higher risk of dementia in later life, studies show. Adopting a healthy lifestyle will help you maintain optimal blood pressure.

27 Feb, 2023
Having blood pressure that is too high or too low has been linked to a higher risk of dementia, but it’s never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle that will help maintain optimal blood pressure. Photo: Shutterstock
[5]

6 ways to stave off dementia: experts’ simple tips to keep your brain sharp

We can reduce our dementia risk by adopting simple lifestyle practises, say experts Sanjay Gupta and Marc Milstein. Exercise, eating well, drinking less, reading more and trying new things help keep the brain sharp.

13 Mar, 2023
We can protect ourselves against the risk of dementia with some simple lifestyle practices. Exercising (above), eating a good diet, drinking less alcohol, socialising, reading more and trying new things all help keep the brain sharp, say brain experts including Dr Sanjay Gupta. Photo: Shutterstock
[6]

What is sundowning syndrome? How it affects those with dementia and carers

What carers can do for a dementia patient or loved one with ‘sundowning’ – who does not want to settle down and sleep at night, and who may become angry, aggressive or uneasy.

25 Mar, 2023
A person with dementia may experience “sundowning” syndrome - towards the end of the day they become more agitated, confused, panicked, resistant to instruction and restless. This affects their carers, too. Photo: Shutterstock
[7]

A long marriage could lower your risk of dementia, studies show. Here’s why

Research suggests that people who have stayed married for a long time have a lower risk for dementia – they feel less lonely, are more likely to eat well and exercise more, and are more cognitively engaged.

10 Apr, 2023
Research suggests that people who have stayed married for a long time have a lower risk for dementia because they feel less lonely, are more likely to eat well and exercise more, and are more cognitively engaged. Photo: Shutterstock
[8]

No one wears white coats at ‘dementia village’ where residents live normally

Residents of The Hogeweyk dementia care facility in the Netherlands, the first of its kind in the world, live in a neighbourhood setting totally different to a traditional care home.

24 Apr, 2023
Residents are free to live their lives as they like at the world’s first “dementia village”, The Hogeweyk in The Netherlands. Photo: The Hogeweyk
[9]

Loss of hearing raises dementia risk, so why do so few of us get tested?

Hearing loss has been linked to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline, but is preventable with hearing aids, say experts, who recommend testing for a problem which may otherwise go unnoticed.

08 May, 2023
Hearing loss has been linked to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline,  say experts, who recommend testing for preventable hearing problems (above).  Photo: Getty Images
[10]

Can HRT reduce dementia risk? 3 new studies say yes, upending 2002 reports

Three new reports suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to improved cognition and a reduced risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, going against two 2002 studies.

22 May, 2023
HRT use has been linked to better cognition, blood flow and brain size and a reduction in all neurodegenerative disease in recent studies. Photo: Shutterstock
[11]

How can you prevent dementia? Free brain health tool gives essential tips

The new ‘Think Brain Health Check-in’ online tool from Alzheimer’s Research UK doesn’t test your memory but checks how well you’re looking after your brain and gives tips to help prevent dementia.

06 Jun, 2023
The new free “Think Brain Health Check-in” online tool from Alzheimer’s Research UK doesn’t test your memory but checks how well you’re looking after your brain and gives tips to help prevent dementia. Photo: Shutterstock
[12]

Can lack of sleep raise dementia risk? Yes, studies say, with one exception

A lack of sleep is linked with greater dementia and Alzheimer’s risk later in life, while using sleeping tablets also increases the risk of cognitive decline. But it’s not all bad news.

19 Jun, 2023
Having only five hours of sleep a night can increase dementia risk by 30 per cent for adults over 50, one study says. Photo: Shutterstock
[13]

How antidepressants, sleeping pills and other drugs raise dementia risk

Taking common drugs, including antidepressants, antihistamines and sleeping pills, for as little as 60 days can affect memory, cognitive ability and spatial awareness by disrupting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

03 Jul, 2023
Certain common drugs, including antihistamines, antacids, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines, can disrupt the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, dubbed the “memory molecule” increasing the risk of dementia. Photo: Shutterstock
[14]

‘Use it or lose it’: building ‘cognitive reserve’ keeps dementia at bay

‘Cognitive reserve’ refers to how many neurons our brains build and retain. This reserve – made stronger by mental stimulation derived from a variety of activities – reduces the effects of damage from dementia.

17 Jul, 2023
The phrase ‘use it or lose it’ is not just a hypothesis, it’s a basic biological fact that holds as true for our brains as our muscles or bones. Photo:
Shutterstock
[15]

Why yoga is a great workout for mind as well as body, helpful for dementia

New research shows yoga’s robust health benefits for people experiencing cognitive decline or dementia, adding to previous studies on how the activity can also help in prevention.

24 Jul, 2023
Yoga has health benefits including better brain neuroplasticity, improved sleep quality, and more robust cardiorespiratory fitness, all of which help people experiencing cognitive decline or dementia. Photo: Shutterstock
[16]

5 nutrients good for brain health that can delay dementia, or prevent it

A healthy diet is good for our brains, not just our bodies, and research has found 5 nutrients that are particularly important to preventing or delaying dementia. Experts explain how they aid brain health.

31 Jul, 2023
Research has identified some key nutrients we need in our diets to maintain good cognitive function and delay or prevent the onset of dementia. Photo: Shutterstock
[17]

Why you have to keep smiling at a dementia patient – they might smile back

A smile may evoke a positive response from a dementia patient, and could make them more open to complying with your requests as a carer, an expert on the disease explains.

07 Aug, 2023
A smile can bring a smile in return from a dementia patient, and may make them more amenable to your requests. Photo: Shutterstock
[18]

How dementia causes delusions and why it’s best to play along

Experts explain the processes by which dementia triggers delusions, a lack of inhibition, and other troubling behaviour in sufferers, and how carers can best deal with it.

21 Aug, 2023
Carers often find it challenging to calm a dementia patient down when they suffer from paranoia, hallucinations and delusions. Experts offer advice on what to do. Photo: Shutterstock
[19]

Explainer | ‘Sepia galactic storms’: Alzheimer’s amyloid plaques and tau tangles

Amyloid plaques and tau tangles are telltale signs of Alzheimer’s disease, but what are they, how do they form, and how do they affect the brain, leading to dementia?

04 Sep, 2023
“Sepia galactic storms”: the rust coloured clumps are the stained amyloid plaques, the little black squiggles are the tau tangles. Photo: Andrew Lee
[20]

5 Alzheimer’s experts’ advice on avoiding or delaying the disease

Five experts give advice on avoiding or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, including physical and mental exercise, socialising, and getting a hearing test.

21 Sep, 2023
Lifestyle tips for avoiding or delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, include staying active and socially engaged. Photo: Shutterstock
[21]

Are you at risk for Alzheimer’s disease? 2 new tests could detect it early

New blood-based biomarker tests from Hong Kong-based Cognitact and US-based Quest could detect Alzheimer’s disease early, giving people a chance to work on interventions.

02 Oct, 2023
New blood tests developed in Hong Kong and the US deliver an easier, less invasive and more cost-effective way to detect Alzheimer’s disease early. Photo: Shutterstock
[22]

Belly fat’s link to Alzheimer’s, and how to lose it to protect your brain

Excess belly fat can put us at increased risk of dementia as we age, studies show. Experts explain the link and offer advice on how we can lose weight to avoid our brains atrophying.

16 Oct, 2023
Having excess belly fat increases the risk of suffering from dementia, especially for women, according to recent research. Experts explain the link and give tips on how to shrink your waist to prevent your brain shrinking. Photo: Shutterstock
[23]

How eye tests protect your brain: poor vision tied to higher dementia risk

Your eyesight can affect your mental health, according to a recent study, which found a link between vision problems and increased risk of dementia. Experts advise getting your eyes checked regularly.

06 Nov, 2023
Your eyesight could affect your mental health, according to a recent study, which found a link between vision problems and a higher risk of dementia. Experts advise getting your vision checked regularly. Photo: Shutterstock
[24]

Can intermittent fasting protect your brain health? Tips from an expert

Neuroscientist Mark Mattson explains how intermittent fasting may promote brain health and protect against diseases such as Alzheimer’s, with tips on how to begin and how long to fast for.

20 Nov, 2023
Intermittent fasting might promote brain health and help protect against diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, according to neuroscientist Mark Mattson. Photo: Getty Images
[25]

Sitting more than 10 hours a day significantly raises dementia risk: study

People who sat for 10 hours a day or more greatly elevated their dementia risk, a study finds. An expert explains the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, and how even light aerobic exercise can help.

04 Dec, 2023
Men and women who spent more than 10 hours a day sitting elevated their risk of developing dementia significantly, a study finds. Even light aerobic exercise can help to protect your brain for the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Photo: Shutterstock
[26]

Explainer | Eat strawberries! They’re a brain superfood and reduce the risk of dementia

As research finds strawberries to contain a compound that could help prevent dementia, we look at their benefits and those of other brain-boosting foods such as salmon, walnuts and wasabi.

18 Dec, 2023
Strawberries have been found to contain a compound that reduces the risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. They are not the only superfood good for brain health – fatty fish,  walnuts and wasabi have similar properties. Photo: Shutterstock
[27]

To prevent dementia, look after your heart health, researchers say

Up to 40 per cent of all dementia cases are related to factors that also increase one’s chances of developing cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of heart health, research finds.

02 Jan, 2024
The dementia rate in North America and Europe has declined by 13 per cent per decade over the past 25 years, research finds, something that Harvard’s Dr Albert Hofman attributes to better heart health - and better awareness of the need to safeguard it. Photo: Shutterstock
[28]

What can music do for dementia patients? A lot – experts explain

For some people with dementia, music therapy has been shown to improve their thinking, feeling, perception, mood and behaviour. It can be used as part of a care plan, say experts.

15 Jan, 2024
Dementia patient John, 84, is an enthusiastic regular at group music sessions at his care home in London, having learned to play the guitar after receiving music therapy. For some people with dementia, music therapy has been shown improve their thinking, feeling, perception, mood and behaviour. Photo: The Spitz Charitable Trust
[29]

How speaking more than one language can delay onset of dementia symptoms

Speaking more than one language can delay dementia symptoms because it boosts what scientists call our cognitive reserve. The more you use a second or third language, the better, research shows.

05 Feb, 2024
While the age of acquiring a second language might play a role in fending off dementia symptoms, what’s much more important is the frequent use of multiple languages in daily life. Photo: Shutterstock
[30]

How statins, used to lower cholesterol, could also lower risk of dementia

Recent studies indicate statins, taken by 200 million people to lower cholesterol, can help stave off dementia, and a doctor recommends boosting this with a good diet and exercise.

19 Feb, 2024
No one should rely solely on a drug such as statins to protect their heart – and brain – health. Doctors recommend regular exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Photo: Shutterstock
[31]

How dental health may affect brain health and increase Alzheimer’s risk

Bad dental hygiene could affect your brain health in the future, according to a study that says the risk of Alzheimer’s is 21 per cent higher in people with poor hygiene and gum disease.

04 Mar, 2024
Bad dental hygiene could affect your mental health in the future, according to a study that says the risk of Alzheimer’s is 21 per cent higher in people with poor hygiene and gum disease. Photo: Professor Nicola West
[32]

How a stroke raises the risk of having dementia months, even decades, later

A stroke increases the short-term risk of dementia, which is no surprise, but new research shows the increased risk can last for 20 years after a stroke, even after recovering some abilities post-stroke.

18 Mar, 2024
A stroke can cause loss in abilities such as reading and speaking, and may promote sensory and social isolation and decrease social and intellectual stimulation.
Photo: Shutterstock
[33]

Is your elderly relative walking differently? It could be a sign of dementia

Changes in gait – particularly difficulty walking a curved path – may be an early sign of dementia, an expert says; families should be on the lookout to help protect a sufferer’s safety and quality of life.

01 Apr, 2024
When you walk in a curve, your body has to adjust constantly to maintain balance and direction. Difficulty doing so could be an early sign of dementia, according to a recent study. Photo: Shutterstock
[34]

How to prevent dementia: does this Amazonian tribe hold the key?

The Tsimané tribe in the Bolivian Amazon have great heart health and very little age-related brain shrinkage or dementia. Their lifestyle – exercise, fresh food and clean air – all play a part.

15 Apr, 2024
The Tsimané indigenous people of the Bolivian Amazon have some of the healthiest hearts on the planet and very low rates of dementia, giving clues as to how to prevent it. Photo: Instagram / @unesco
[35]

How dementia affects taste and appetite, and how to help patients

Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, can affect how sufferers experience taste and reduce their appetite. A professor explains why, and offers seven tips to help ensure they eat and drink enough.

29 Apr, 2024
Taste changes are common in dementia and can affect up to 70 per cent of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, who may start to refuse food. Photo: Shutterstock
[36]

If we get more forgetful as we age, should we be worrying about dementia?

We all forget things at times, and as we age, our recall becomes less powerful. This is not the same thing as forgetfulness due to dementia, say experts, who offer tips to keep your memory sharper.

13 May, 2024
There is a big difference between exiting a shopping centre and not remembering where you parked your car and forgetting where you are or how you got there. The latter could indicate you have a problem, an expert explains. Photo: Shutterstock
[37]

Smoking shrinks your brain and increases dementia risk. Quitting reduces it

Do you need another reason to quit smoking? Habitual smoking shrinks your brain, increasing the risk of dementia. The good news is that giving up smoking, even aged 60, substantially reduces the risk.

27 May, 2024
Smoking shrinks your brain, increasing the risk of dementia. However, quitting the habit, even aged 60, substantially reduces the risk. Photo: Shutterstock
[38]

Is your job mentally stimulating? It could protect you against dementia

The most cognitively challenging jobs help to build what’s known as cognitive reserve, which scientists believe delays the onset of dementia, according to a recent Norwegian study.

10 Jun, 2024
Having a mentally stimulating job, such as being a teacher (above), in midlife may help build cognitive reserve which protects you against dementia as you age. Photo: Shutterstock
[39]

How extra virgin olive oil in your food may help prevent dementia

A key ingredient in the Mediterranean and Mind diets, extra virgin olive oil may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by clearing toxic proteins, as well as provide other health benefits.

24 Jun, 2024
Extra virgin olive oil is a key component of both the Mediterranean and the Mind Diet. It is thought to have protective effects against dementia.
Photo: Shutterstock
[40]

How you can have Alzheimer’s genes without the symptoms of dementia

People with two copies of the APOE4 gene, one inherited from each parent, will very likely develop biological signs of Alzheimer’s disease, but cognitive function may not suffer, dementia study says.

08 Jul, 2024
A researcher at the Spanish hospital where the study was carried out. Photo: Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Paul
[41]

Online apps can keep your brain healthy, but there are other ways too

Playing mind game apps can help fight dementia, as long as they are challenging and preferably unfamiliar, say experts. Reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and playing chess are also beneficial.

22 Jul, 2024
Playing brain game apps helps fight dementia, but they have to be challenging and preferably unfamiliar, say experts. Reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and chess are also beneficial for the brain. Photo: Shutterstock
[42]

Lifestyle changes can help reverse Alzheimer’s disease, study says

New Alzheimer’s disease research finds that a plant-based diet, strength training exercise and meditation can help reverse the symptoms of the most common type of dementia.

05 Aug, 2024
Diet is a lifestyle factor linked to preventing or even reversing Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research. Photo: Shutterstock
[43]

How to lower the risk of dementia? Reduce your ‘bad’ cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is not just bad for our hearts, but can increase our risk of dementia too, a Lancet review reveals. Changes to our diet can lower the level of ‘bad’ cholesterol in our bodies.

19 Aug, 2024
High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can build up in arteries and clog them, causing problems for the brain as well as the heart. Illustration: Shutterstock
[44]

Caring for someone with dementia can be stressful. 10 tips for how to cope

To begin World Alzheimer’s Month and to mark the coming World Carers’ Day, we offer advice for carers of dementia patients, including tips from a professor of dementias.

01 Sep, 2024
Carers of people with dementia can learn ahead of time everything they can expect to encounter, but for some that is too much information. The writer, who was a dementia carer, offers advice on how to cope and solicits tips from a professor of Alzheimer’s. Photo: Shutterstock