Vietnam is among the countries with the fastest aging rate in the world, while the born-age rate has decreased. This causes an increasing number of elderly people, which means the risk of dementia, especially Alzheimer's, increases.
MSc. Dr. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia - Head of the Department of Neurology, Military Hospital 175, said that a survey in Ho Chi Minh City once recorded about 27,000 - 30,000 elderly people showing signs of mental decline through community screening. This is a very large number, posing a challenge for the health system.
However, many people still consider mental decline as a matter of "forgetfulness", which is completely wrong.
Intellectual impairment is a disease and needs to be detected and intervene early, especially at the stage of premenstrual impairment (mild cognitive decline). At that time, the doctor can guide drug treatment combined with cognitive training, lifestyle adjustment, nutrition, and control of accompanying diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes or dyslipidemia.
At the same time, Dr. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia shared that regular exercise is proven to help prevent mental decline, at least 30 minutes, 5 sessions/week per day. In addition, there is a healthy diet, adequate sleep, limit alcohol and participate in brain training activities.
The family needs to change the concept, not to "let" the patient live to recover. caring, daily interaction, creating a positive living environment will help slow down the progression of the disease. In addition, some health stations and hospitals have deployed memory clinics, screening and training instructions right in the community, making it easier for the elderly to access services.
"In reality, people who are detected early and trained cognitively often have a marked improvement. There are cases where patients have improved their memory after a few months and have improved their quality of life," Dr. Nghia added.
