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Brain atrophy in old age is a fairly common condition and causes serious effects on brain function. Early detection of the disease and the right treatment can help slow its progression and limit the risk of complications.
1. Overview of old age brain atrophy
Aging brain disease is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells, leading to the gradual death of nerve cells and causing disruption of activities between central neurons. Due to the gradual death of nerve cells or loss of connections between certain nerve cells in the brain, the brain shrinks in the skull called atrophy.
As we age, nerve cells also degrade like other organs of the body, and gradually due to degeneration, the brain will gradually lose function, shrink or die. When brain tissue is smaller, it will greatly affect memory, language, and behavior.
Causes of cerebral atrophy can be due to:
Genetic factors. Diet: Vitamin B12 deficiency also causes brain atrophy. Unscientific lifestyle: excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, lack of sleep regularly ... May be caused by diseases such as carotid artery stenosis, cerebrovascular malformations or atherosclerosis, especially blood vessels that nourish the brain. In addition, brain atrophy can be caused by traumatic brain injury or by stroke, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy.
The phenomenon of brain atrophy in old age :
Memory loss : When memory declines, the first thing the patient can do is forget new things that happened. For a long time, forget the things that are far away. In some severe cases, it is possible to forget daily activities such as eating, brushing teeth, etc. Cognitive dysfunction: When there is a cognitive disorder, it will be difficult for the patient to determine the time. Over time, it was also impossible to perform simple calculations. Depression and anxiety: Can occur in about 30% of people with microcephaly, can appear in the early stages but infrequently. The patient is too worried about the illness or loses interest in everyday things, sometimes having hallucinations or paranoia. Language disorders: Patients may have difficulty expressing their wishes, when the disease is more severe, they may stammer, not pronounce clearly. Language ability may be lost. Change in mood: The patient may become more difficult, often irritable... Cerebral atrophy in the elderly is like a degenerative condition in other organs in the body, so it is very difficult to cure. from. When the main treatment is drug treatment, vitamin supplements, psychotherapeutic measures, diet and living to improve symptoms and reduce complications, slow down the progression of the disease. .
Người già gặp tình trạng teo não cần được chăm sóc và quan tâm đặc biệt
2. Complications of senile cerebral atrophy
When suffering from brain atrophy in old age, the patient may see risks such as:
Affect quality of life: In the early stages, the patient is still able to take care of himself, so it has not been affected. What is serious about daily activities. However, when the disease is advanced, the patient is almost unable to take care of himself, forgets how to take care of himself... Frequent choking or difficulty in eating increases the risk of inflammation lungs due to foreign bodies entering the respiratory tract. Patients may often have to lie down, causing infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, pressure ulcers, etc. Increased risk of injury due to reduced coordination and disorientation. body. Minor or life-threatening injuries may occur.
3. How to prevent brain atrophy in old age
The natural law of aging cannot be changed, but it is possible to apply proactive preventive measures before the disease stage is reached.
Some measures to help us proactively prevent brain atrophy in old age such as:
Scientific diet: It is recommended to increase the diet full of necessary nutrients, especially omega-3. is a stimulant of brain cell activity, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C... are good vitamins for the brain to function well. Should limit fast food, canned food, alcohol, tobacco are substances that accelerate the aging process of any. Mode of life and exercise: Maintain the habit of sleeping early, get enough sleep, when sleeping deeply, the brain is also relaxed and rested. If frequent insomnia reduces the ability to concentrate, reduces the ability to think and process information, accelerates brain aging. Regular exercise every day helps maintain blood circulation to the brain, increases the strength of connections between nerve cells, can do sports such as cycling, walking, yoga... Exercise for the brain set by playing intellectual subjects such as chess, guessing words, rubik. Avoiding stress, keeping a good mood every day is very beneficial for the brain. Good control of chronic diseases: Good control of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol... reduces the risk of complications affecting the brain, thereby reducing the risk brain atrophy.
Chế độ sinh hoạt và vận động phù hợp sẽ giúp phòng ngừa teo não tuổi già
Brain atrophy in old age causes complications that affect the quality of life and health of patients. Early detection and control of the disease increases life expectancy. In addition, attention should be paid to taking preventive measures to minimize the risk of disease.
In order not to affect the health and life of both the patient and his or her relatives, when suffering from cerebral atrophy, the patient needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Customers can choose Vinmec International General Hospital to be examined and checked for mental health and psychological diseases of the elderly. With modern equipment and a team of highly qualified doctors, we will conduct psychological tests and in-depth psychotherapy to help identify the medical condition in order to have the appropriate treatment.
Currently, the medical examination process at the hospital is always performed in a methodical manner, combined with a system of high-tech machinery to bring the best medical examination and treatment results to customers.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
