Brain stimulating tasks may lower dementia, Alzheimer's risk: Doctors

Aurangabad: Indulging in brain-stimulating activities, coupled with timely medical attention, may lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease, said health experts.

The general advice came during a webinar organised by the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Aurangabad, in association with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Aurangabad chapter, to mark World Alzheimer's Day, on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Prasad Deshpande of GMCH's psychiatry department shed light on the preventive and curative aspects of mental health among senior citizens.

"The gradual degeneration of brain cells due to old age can lead to dementia and Alzheimer's disease. If senior citizens engage in different brain-stimulating activities, the effects may minimize or advance slowly," he said.

Dr Shailaja Rao Singh of the department of geriatrics at the GMCH said family members should notice early signs such as significant memory loss and confusion among other impaired functioning among elderly people.

Dr Mangala Borkar of the geriatrics department stressed on the need for proper emotional support and counselling to caregivers of senior citizens, who are affected by dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

Earlier, IMA Aurangabad chapter secretary Dr Ujwala Dahiphale said people should also watch out for hypertension, diabetes, depression and hearing impairment, which in the long run may trigger dementia.