Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological syndromes that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is not a single specific disease, but rather a collection of symptoms that occur when the brain is damaged by various underlying diseases or a series of strokes [1][2][3][4]. Because it is progressive, the symptoms gradually worsen over time, profoundly impacting the life of the individual and their family [5].

Common Types of Dementia

There are over 200 subtypes of dementia [6], with each variant affecting different areas of the brain and presenting unique early symptoms. Understanding the specific type is crucial for proper medical management and support.

Video: What is dementia? - Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer's Society have created a short video to explain what dementia is:

Early Warning Signs

The early indicators of cognitive decline can be subtle and are often mistaken for normal signs of ageing or stress. While occasional forgetfulness is common, a medical professional should evaluate the following persistent signs:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or asking the same questions repeatedly.
• Challenges in planning or solving problems: Struggling to follow a familiar recipe or keep track of monthly bills.
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Having trouble driving to a familiar location or remembering the rules of a favourite game.
• Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or forgetting how you arrived at a certain location.
• Changes in mood and personality: Becoming easily upset, suspicious, depressed, or anxious outside of your normal comfort zones.

Dementia in the UK: Key Statistics

Dementia is one of the most significant health and social care challenges facing the United Kingdom today [7]. According to recent data from Alzheimer's Society, nearly one million people are currently living with a form of dementia in the UK [8]. Furthermore, it remains the leading cause of death across England and Wales. The risk increases significantly with age, affecting roughly one in six people over the age of 80.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Brain Health

Nutrition plays a foundational role in protecting brain tissue from oxidative stress and reducing the risk factors associated with cognitive decline. While diet cannot cure dementia, robust evidence suggests that specific eating patterns can support neuroprotection and delay symptom onset.

The MIND Diet

The Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is specifically designed to promote brain health. It combines elements of the traditional Mediterranean diet and the blood pressure lowering DASH diet. The focus is heavily on plant based foods that are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.

• Brain-Healthy Foods: Leafy green vegetables, berries, nuts, whole grains, olive oil, beans, poultry, and fatty fish.
• Foods to Limit: Red meat, butter, margarine, cheese, pastries, sweets, and fried or fast food.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation

Chronic inflammation and vascular damage are major contributors to cognitive decline. Consuming adequate Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel, helps maintain the structural integrity of brain cells and reduces systemic inflammation. This is particularly relevant for mitigating the risk of vascular dementia.

Nutritionist's Corner: Final Thoughts

"When we talk about dementia prevention or management, the conversation must include vascular health. The brain requires a massive amount of blood flow and oxygen to function. What is good for the heart is inherently good for the brain. I strongly advise adopting a dietary pattern rich in colourful plants, specifically leafy greens and berries, which provide the antioxidants necessary to combat cellular aging. Additionally, prioritising healthy fats from olive oil and oily fish while strictly limiting refined sugars and saturated fats can help maintain the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and support long-term cognitive resilience. Remember that you should always speak to a nutritionist or healthcare professional in person to ensure that any dietary changes are suitable for your individual circumstances."

Yusra Serdaroglu Aydin, MSc RD

Sources:

[1] Dementia - World Health Organization [2] What is Dementia - Dementia UK [3] What is Dementia? - Alzheimers' Association [4] Alzheimer’s disease and dementia - Brain Research UK [5] The progression, signs and stages of dementia - Alzheimer's Society [6] Types of dementia - Dementia UK [7] Dementia - NHS England [8] How many people have dementia in the UK? - Alzheimer's Associate