Introduction to Dementia

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Dementia is caused by the destruction or impairment of brain cells, which causes impairment in memory, comprehension, judgment, and emotional control, affecting daily life and social interaction. A study by the Department of Health and the Faculty of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that one in ten elderly people aged 70 and above in Hong Kong suffer from dementia.

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Dementia develops slowly, and many people often mistake the early symptoms for normal aging and take them lightly. However, the two characteristics are of different natures. For example, ordinary people may forget some of the content of a phone call due to amnesia, but patients with dementia often have no memory of even having made a phone call.

Non-drug treatments

Membrane therapy

Use nostalgic items such as nostalgic snacks, old Hong Kong photos and old daily items to guide the elderly to revisit the past, stimulate their long-term memories and recount their past experiences and feelings. This can improve emotional and behavioral problems. It can also increase language use, social communication, enrich the meaning of life and enhance self-worth.

Reality-Based Therapy

Through environmental cues such as clocks, calendars, newspapers and daily necessities, the elderly can grasp the cognition of time and place. Reality-oriented therapy can help improve the mental confusion of the elderly, stimulate their cognition of the environment, help them adapt to life, reduce behavioral problems, and maintain cognitive ability.

Multi-sensory therapy

Through sensory stimulation of the five senses, the overall brain development is strengthened. The right amount of stimulation can reduce disruptive behaviors, improve verbal expression, increase concentration and enhance interest in the surrounding environment.

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​Exercise regularly

A study by the Department of Psychiatry at CUHK showed that regular Tai Chi practice (three times a week or more, each session lasting at least 30 minutes) can help patients with mild cognitive impairment slow down cognitive decline. A neurological study showed that regular aerobic exercise, such as dancing and brisk walking (twice a week, 40 minutes each time), can help elderly people with cerebral small vessel disease slow down cognitive decline.

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Brain Food

The main brain-protecting elements are Omega-3, vitamin B, and antioxidants (such as vitamin C, E, and folic acid).

Daily Intake

One serving is approximately

More vegetables (three servings a day) A bowl of uncooked vegetables, such as lettuce and cucumber;
1/2 bowl of cooked vegetables, melons, mushrooms or beans, such as choy sum, bean sprouts, eggplant

2 small fruits, such as popcorn or kiwi;
A fruit, such as an orange or an apple.

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Chow Pei Fong Cognitive Disorders Prevention Research Center

https://cog.mect.cuhk.edu.hk/

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