Medical Comorbidities in Dementia: An Illustration at a Glance

Dementia, simply is impairment of memory plus language disturbance, inability to execute voluntary act in spite of intact motor power, distorted recognition and disturbed higher functions of brain such as attention planning, judgement, motor sequencing and abstract thinking. It clinically, coexist with various medical co morbidities. Complications steer in with these impacting the overall health and well-being of older adult. For better perspective and understanding following are common conditions making a demented person miserable and subsequently fatal, take a look:

Hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure are common in individuals with dementia. These conditions can exacerbate cognitive decline and increase the risk of stroke.

Diabetes Mellitus is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia, particularly vascular dementia. Poorly managed diabetes can also worsen cognitive function and increase the risk of complications.

Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety often coexist with dementia. Often a risk factor in to the causation. They can exacerbate cognitive decline and decrease the individual's quality of life if left untreated.

Parkinson's disease dementia is a common comorbidity in individuals with Parkinson's disease. It presents with symptoms such as motor impairments, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, can mimic symptoms of dementia, including cognitive decline and memory impairment. Proper management of thyroid function is essential in individuals with dementia.

Malnutrition and deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B12 and folate are common in individuals with dementia, which can exacerbate cognitive decline and impair overall health. This invites infections of lungs, kidneys, sarcopenia complicating the condition further. Electrolyte imbalance to be ruled out without fail.

COPD and Bronchial Asthma can coexist with dementia, leading to increased frailty, functional decline, and decreased quality of life.

Older adults with dementia are at increased risk of falls and fractures due to impaired mobility, balance, and cognition. Osteoporosis further exacerbates this risk. Delerium supervenes if hospitalised for the treatment of fractured bone.

Urinary incontinence is common in individuals with dementia due to cognitive and functional impairments. It can significantly impact their quality of life and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Confusion being the subtle indication of infection spread in the body (septicaemia). Fever may be a late symptom.

Conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia are prevalent in individuals with dementia, contributing to behavioral disturbances, daytime drowsiness, and worsening cognitive function. Consistent with obese elderly.

Managing dementia in elderly with above listed medical comorbidities requires a multidisciplinary approach. Early identification and early intervention is the key. A geriatrician is trained to orchestrate band of healthcare professionals across specialties - Medical and surgical, paramedics etcetra on as and when required basis - inside hospital and home care settings. Treatment plans are address both dementia-related symptoms and comorbid conditions to optimize overall health and quality of life. Establishing continuum of care alleviates delirium and speeds up recovery.