Get simple tips on how you can prevent or delay dementia - a degenerative brain disease.
Dementia
is a major health concern in Singapore with numbers expected to soar to an estimated 53,000 by 2020, and 80,000 by 2030.
Dementia is a brain disease and not part of normal ageing. It refers to a group of symptoms that include memory loss and loss of independent function.
Symptoms of Dementia
The following 'red flags' suggest that a person displaying these behaviours may be in need of medical evaluation.
Loss of memory function (forgetting names and appointments, misplacing items, being repetitive)
Disoriented about place and time (getting lost in shopping malles, losing the way when driving)
Impaired judgement (having difficulty managing finances, making unwise or dangerous decisions)
Language difficulties (not remembering meanings of words, difficulty in naming objects, making grammatical errors)
Change in mood and behaviour (having false beliefs/hallucinations, hiding belongings, being suspicious, agitated or anxious
Difficulty in performing tasks (unable to organise events, not knowing how to maintain cleanliness, unable to learn new skills and unable to cope with work)
Dementia Prevention Tips
Making better lifestyle choices can help play a role in keeping your brain healthy.
Keep your brain active - do puzzles, play boardgames, learn a new laguage or musical instrument
Eat more fish, vegetables and high-fibre grains. Red meat consumption should be limited to 3 to 5 servings per month.
Exercise regularly - at least 3 times a week, 30mins each time
For more health tips and videos, visit HealthXchange.sg or
SingHealth YouTube channel.