Watch out for warning signs of cognitive impairment

As Hong Kong's population ages more and more, psychiatrists predict that the number of people suffering from dementia in Hong Kong will increase significantly in the next 20 years, possibly exceeding 30, more than three times the number in 2009. However, the medical community still does not fully understand the exact cause of dementia. In recent years, international studies have pointed out that people with high psychological stress and long-term emotional instability are at a relatively higher risk of developing dementia. In order to prevent this disease from a mental health perspective, doctors urge the public to pay more attention to whether the elderly in their families show some obvious signs of psychological distress, such asMemory lossOnce diagnosed, multidisciplinary approaches such as medication, nutritional support, and rehabilitation training can be used to help patients manage the progression of the disease.

According to the Department of Health, there were approximately 2009 patients with dementia in Hong Kong in 10, with one in every ten elderly people aged 10 or above being affected by the disease. Based on clinical observations and the trend of population aging, Chen Zhenzhong, a specialist in internal medicine, estimates that the number of patients with dementia in Hong Kong may increase to 70 by 1, which is about a 2039-fold increase in 30 years. He pointed out that common symptoms of patients in the early stages include forgetting to take medication dosages, significant memory loss,Frequently lose items, and even suspect family members of stealing, leading to a distrust of their loved ones. In the middle stage of the disease, patients are easily lost and their sense of direction deteriorates. In the late stage, their ability to express themselves gradually deteriorates, and they may even lose basic self-care ability.

Although the cause of dementia is still unclear, international studies have found that some chronic diseases and psychological conditions may increase the risk of developing the disease. For example, diabetes, middle-aged hypertension, central obesity, and psychological problems such as depression are all considered to be related to dementia.cognitive declinePsychiatrist Lui Wing-cheong cited a study published earlier this year by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, which assessed 6800 participants using 17 indicators of psychological distress, including frequent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, frequent crying spells, and feelings of despair. The total score was 17 points, with higher scores indicating greater severity of psychological distress. The results showed that participants with scores of 5 to 9 had a 25% higher risk of developing dementia than the general population. For those with scores of 10 to 17, meaning they were in the severe psychological distress group, the risk increased by 40%.

Lei Wing-cheong explained that when people are under prolonged stress, stress hormone levels rise in the body, potentially affecting immune system function and cardiovascular health, and even inducing depression or unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol abuse. These factors can indirectly increase the risk of developing dementia. Therefore, he recommended that the public pay special attention to the following "Ten Warning Signs of Psychological Distress," including frequent feelings of weakness, difficulty concentrating, low moods and tearfulness, easy frustration, loss of interest in new things, and irritability over trivial matters. If you notice elderly people around you experiencing these symptoms, you should be alert.

In addition, physician Chen Zhenzhong reminds us that in addition to focusing on mental health, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is equally important. For example, not smoking, limiting or abstaining from alcohol, properly controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, and consistently engaging in moderate exercise can all help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Comprehensively managing both physical and mental health can more effectively prevent this disease, which gradually erodes memory and functional abilities.