Dr Nelly Kamwale is a wellness doctor passionate about social change, gender and mental health advocacy./HANDOUT
Dementia is a term that often evokes fear and misunderstanding. It's not a single disease but a set of symptoms that impair a person's cognitive functions, like memory, thinking, and reasoning, to a degree that it interferes with daily life.
While many associate it with aging, it's a serious condition caused by various diseases that damage brain cells.
As populations worldwide, including Kenya, are living longer, the number of people with dementia is increasing, presenting a significant public health challenge.
One of the most common forms of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, which accounts for a large percentage of cases. However, dementia can also be caused by stroke. (Vascular changes in the brain) abnormal protein deposits in the brain (Lewy body dementia), and other neurodegenerative conditions.
A particularly insidious cause that's gaining more attention is alcohol-related dementia, also known as alcohol-related brain damage. This type of dementia is caused by the toxic effects of excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption on the brain.
Heavy drinking can lead to a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1), which is crucial for brain cell function. This can result in a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which severely affects memory and can lead to permanent brain damage.
In Kenya, the challenge of dementia is particularly pressing. Dementia actually causes disability and decreases life expectancy. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Kenya is not fully equipped to handle the growing demand for dementia care.
There's a shortage of trained specialists, limited access to diagnostic tools, and a lack of specific policies to address dementia. Families are often left to bear the full emotional and financial burden of care.
Organizations like the Alzheimer's Dementia Organisation Kenya (ADOK) and users of psychiatry are working to fill this gap by raising awareness, providing support groups, and offering training for caregivers.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent all types of dementia, a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk. This is because many risk factors for dementia are also linked to poor cardiovascular health.
A proactive approach is key. Maintaining regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading or learning new skills can help protect the brain.
It's also vital to manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity and to avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
For those already affected, an early diagnosis is paramount. While most types of dementia have no cure, an early diagnosis allows for interventions that can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for the person with dementia and their family.
This includes medications to improve cognitive function and non-drug therapies like cognitive stimulation.
The fight against dementia in Kenya is a collaborative effort. It requires individuals to enhance their skills and caregivers to fight and prevent dementia.
