留意認知障礙的危險信號

As Hong Kong's aging population worsens, psychiatrists predict a significant increase in the number of people with dementia within the next 20 years, potentially exceeding 300,000—more than three times the number in 2009. However, the exact causes of dementia are still not fully understood. Recent international research indicates that individuals experiencing high levels of stress and chronic emotional instability have a relatively higher risk of developing dementia. To prevent this condition from a mental health perspective, doctors urge the public to pay close attention to any obvious signs of psychological distress in elderly family members, such as…Memory declineSymptoms include significant mood swings and impulsive behavior. Once diagnosed, patients can currently manage their condition through multidisciplinary approaches such as medication, nutritional therapy, and rehabilitation training.

According to data from the Department of Health, there were approximately 100,000 people with dementia in Hong Kong in 2009, affecting one in ten people aged 70 or above. Based on clinical observations and the trend of population aging, internist Dr. Chan Chun-chung estimates that the number of people with dementia in Hong Kong may increase to 300,000 by 2039, roughly doubling in 30 years. He points out that common early symptoms include forgetting medication dosages, significant memory decline, etc.Frequently lost itemsThey may even suspect their family members of theft, leading to distrust of their loved ones. In the middle stage of the disease, patients are prone to getting lost and have a poor sense of direction; in the late stage, their language expression ability gradually deteriorates, and they may even lose basic self-care abilities.

While the exact causes of cognitive impairment are not yet fully understood, international research has found that certain chronic diseases and psychological states may increase the risk. For example, diabetes, midlife hypertension, central obesity, and mental health issues such as depression are all considered to be associated with [certain health conditions].Cognitive declineThis is relevant. Psychiatrist Dr. Lei Yongchang cited a study published earlier this year by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The study assessed 6,800 respondents using 17 indicators of psychological distress, including frequent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, frequent crying, and feelings of despair. The total score was 17 points, with higher scores indicating more severe psychological distress. The results showed that respondents scoring 5 to 9 points had a 25% higher risk of developing cognitive impairment than the general population; while those scoring 10 to 17 points, belonging to the severe psychological distress group, had an even greater increased risk of 40%.

Lei Yongchang explained that when a person is under prolonged high pressure, the level of stress hormones in the body will rise. This may affect the function of the immune system, cardiovascular health, and even induce depressive moods or unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking. These factors may indirectly increase the chances of developing cognitive impairment. Therefore, he suggested that citizens should pay special attention to the following "ten warning signs of psychological distress," including frequently feeling powerless, difficulty concentrating, feeling depressed and wanting to cry, being easily frustrated, losing interest in new things, and being irritable over trivial matters. If you find that an elderly person around you is experiencing similar symptoms, you should be vigilant.

In addition, internist Chen Zhenzhong also reminds everyone that besides paying attention to 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 all help reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment. Only through comprehensive management of physical and mental health can this disease, which gradually erodes memory and daily living abilities, be more effectively prevented.