4Ds You Don’t Want to Strike

Everyone wants to age well and to enjoy their golden years. Other than being physically fit, mental vitality is an aspect to ageing well. Dr Joshua Kua, Specialist in Psychiatry & Consultant, Raffles Counselling Centre, shares four conditions everyone should take note of.

DEMENTIA

Dementia is the progressive decline of memory and other thinking skills due to the gradual dysfunction and loss of brain cells. 10% of population aged 60 years and above have dementia.

Symptoms

Problem with recent memory
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Language problems
Poor / decreased judgement
Changes in mood, behaviour and personality
Loss of initiative

Prevention

Stay mentally, physically and socially active
Quit smoking, maintain a healthy diet
Maintain normal blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar

Tips for Caregivers

Communicate slowly maintaining eye contact
Present one idea or instruction at a time
Promote exercise, physical activity and social interactions
Establish a night time ritual
Limit caffeine, discourage daytime naps
Encourage keeping a calendar or maintain a routine

DELIRIUM

Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of your environment. There are three main types of delirium, namely, hyperactive, hypoactive and mixed.

Symptoms

Rapid onset in reduced awareness of the environment or drowsiness
Poor thinking skills that occur rapidly especially confusion, inattention and visual hallucination
Sudden behavioural changes
Emotional disturbances such as anxiety and agitation

Prevention

Avoid triggers
Maintain peace, calm and order
Ensure restfulness

Tips for Caregivers

Promote good sleep habits
Adequate hydration
Seek medical attention immediately if one is suspected of having delirium

DEPENDENCE

Many elderly turn to substances such as alcohol, drugs and behavioural addiction such as gambling, to combat loneliness and stress. Seniors are more susceptible to drug and alcohol overdose as their bodies are less able to metabolise them.

Symptoms

Memory problems
Changes in sleeping and eating habits
Unexplained bruises and chronic pain
Irritability, sadness, depression
Wanting to be alone often
Losing touch with loved ones
Failing to bathe or keep clean
Lack of interest in usual activities

Prevention

Healthy living such as exercise
Build relationship with others
Be active and develop new hobbies
Be socially active

Tips for Caregivers

Be aware of symptoms if alcohol or substance dependence
Encourage the elders to seek treatment
Be supportive

DEPRESSION

Elderly affected with depression will experience a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. While the suicide rate in Singapore has stayed constant at between eight to 10 suicides per 100,000 residents, the proportion of elderly who take their lives each year has risen.