Symptoms of dementia

At Porosh we receive frequent enquiries from distressed children seeking counselling for dementia afflicted parent(s) of theirs. However, our experience says that the initial symptoms are quite often than overlooked due to lack of general awareness about dementia. Even if noticed, it is deemed to be an obvious age related health issue. It is only when the matter seems to go out of control, by those staying along with such individuals, that the realization dawns that some sort medication, or counselling is required.

It is in this context that we are going to reproduce an article that was published by ‘Mayo Clinic’ some time back which reflects on the symptoms which indicate setting-in of dementia. So, here we go:

‘Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life. It isn't a specific disease, but several diseases can cause dementia.

Though dementia generally involves memory loss, memory loss has different causes. Having memory loss alone doesn't mean you have dementia, although it's often one of the early signs of the condition.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia in older adults, but there are a number of other causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms might be reversible.

Symptoms

Dementia symptoms vary depending on the cause, but common signs and symptoms include:

Cognitive changes

• Memory loss, which is usually noticed by someone else

• Difficulty communicating or finding words

• Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving

• Difficulty reasoning or problem-solving

• Difficulty handling complex tasks

• Difficulty with planning and organizing

• Difficulty with coordination and motor functions

• Confusion and disorientation

Psychological changes

• Personality changes

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Inappropriate behavior

• Paranoia

• Agitation

• Hallucinations

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you or a loved one has memory problems or other dementia symptoms. Some treatable medical conditions can cause dementia symptoms, so it's important to determine the cause.’

We believe you have found the article useful. The saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is absolutely relevant in this context.

(Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013)

Exercises that make osteoarthritis worse

Osteoarthritis (OA) also called degenerative joint disease, is a condition that develops from wear and tear of body’s joints over time. OA can cause joint pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, crepitus (popping or crackling sounds in the joint), swelling, and muscle weakness.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, although it is most common in the back and spine, hips, knees, neck, shoulders, fingers, and hands.

If left untreated, osteoarthritis typically worsens over time and can lead to permanent joint damage and disability. Exercise plays a crucial role in both the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, although some exercises are better than others.

This article will discuss the importance of exercise for managing osteoarthritis as well as the types of exercises that should be avoided.

Benefits of Exercise for Osteoarthritis

OA causes increased pressure and resulting pain and inflammation within affected joints. Exercise plays a key role in preventing joint damage and decreasing irritation. Exercise strengthens surrounding muscles that help to support and stabilize joints and decrease pressure, especially within large weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.

Exercise can also improve blood flow and synovial fluid quality within joints, helping to improve range of motion and relieve joint stiffness. Synovial fluid fills the space between joints, providing nutrients to the cartilage and lubricating joints to allow bones to move smoothly without friction to the cartilage.

Healthy synovial fluid normally contains high levels of hyaluronic acid that helps provide a lubricating effect. In osteoarthritis, the amount of hyaluronic acid is reduced; therefore, it cannot adequately lubricate joints and prevent cartilage damage from friction. This can lead to even more pain and disability with osteoarthritis.

Exercise has the potential to increase the weight of hyaluronic acid and the viscosity of the synovial fluid within arthritic joints, which can help improve joint lubrication and relieve pain.

Exercise as a whole also has specific benefits, which can help decrease widespread inflammation throughout the body. The benefits include reducing levels of elevated:

• Cholesterol

• Blood sugar

• Triglycerides

• C-reactive protein

• Blood pressure

Exercises That Make Osteoarthritis Worse

With osteoarthritis, it is best to avoid activities that can stress your joints to minimize further joint inflammation and pain. High-impact activities that can worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis in your hips or knees include:

• Running

• Jumping

• Deep squatting and bending

• Stair climbing

• Hiking

• Prolonged standing

Sports and activities that require repetitive and prolonged overhead arm use like playing tennis, overhead weightlifting, and painting walls and ceilings, as well as motions like planks, push-ups, and dips that require weight-bearing through the upper extremities, may aggravate symptoms of osteoarthritis in the neck and shoulders.

our joints will endure significant pressure, friction, and irritation with repetitive or high-impact activities if the muscles lack adequate strength to support them. A physical therapist can work with you to help build up strength in the muscle groups needed to support your joints.

Exercises That Help Osteoarthritis

There are many exercises that can help osteoarthritis, including strength training, walking, water exercise, stretching, and more.

Strength Training Exercises

Strength training is important for maintaining proper muscle balance and functional strength needed to support your joints. With osteoarthritis, strengthening the muscles can help offload pressure on the affected joints by allowing the muscles to absorb more shock and force, reducing joint irritation and pain.

Common muscle groups that often need to be strengthened to support arthritic joints include the:

• Glutes

• Quadriceps (front of thigh)

• Rotator cuff

• Periscapular muscles (upper back/shoulder)

• Transverse abdominis (abdominals)

When participating in strength training, always start with lightweight or resistance and gradually increase the weight over time as you build up strength.

Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise is important for decreasing inflammation throughout the body. It also helps maintain proper circulation to supply oxygen and nutrients to muscles and joints, which can lessen inflammatory symptoms of arthritis.

Regular cardiovascular activity can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which can significantly decrease pressure at painful weight-bearing joints of the hips and knees. Overweight individuals who lose 5% of their body weight can see significant changes in osteoarthritis symptoms and improvements in physical wellbeing.

Stretches for Flexibility

Stretching can help improve your flexibility and joint mobility by decreasing joint pain and stiffness. Aim to hold stretches for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat at least three times.

Walking

Walking is one of the best low-impact, aerobic exercises that can improve your blood flow, help you lose weight, and decrease inflammation throughout your body. Walking up or down hills can also improve the strength of your leg muscles but should be done with caution as inclines and declines can place increased pressure on the joints.

Water Exercises

Aquatic exercises performed in a pool are particularly beneficial for improving joint mobility and muscular strength. Water exerts buoyancy that reduces weight bearing through your joints,5 thereby decreasing pressure and improving the ability of your joint to move with less pain.

Adapted from the article by Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT in https://www.verywellhealth.com/exercises-that-make-osteoarthritis-worse-5215265

Members’ day out: Nihar-on-Ganges

After a hiatus of three years due to Covid, Porosh organized the much-awaited picnic for its members on a balmy January 18th along the bank of the holy Ganges. The venue was Nihar-on-Ganges (NoG) at Panihati which is located north of Kolkata.

Although all the members were invited yet a few could not make it due to physical ailments. A couple of buses were arranged from north and south Kolkata to bring the members to the venue. Pre-packed food and water were also served after boarding bus. A few cars were also booked for only those whose residence did not fall along the bus routes. An ambulance was also parked at the venue as a standby for meeting emergency requirements.

By 11.30 am the members started to reach NoG tea/ coffee was served in the lawn. What caught our attention is that the members spontaneously formed informal groups on the basis of their past acquaintances in the previous event. And, thus started adda. After a while, we had several of the members volunteering to either sing, or recite poetry. Time flew by and it was already 2 pm – lunch time.

The spread of menu was as elaborate as one can think of. Care was taken that veg and non-veg items were served as per requirements of the members. Needless to add, the quality of food was impeccable and served hot.

Post lunch session was followed by siesta by a few. Three large rooms were booked in anticipation that some of them may need to take rest. Most of the members, however, preferred staying outdoors basking under soothing rays of the Sun.

In the post lunch session we had a few staff members of Porosh volunteering to belt-out a few modern Bengali songs. Their efforts were well-appreciated by the members. As afternoon gradually paved way for evening, snacks were served once again with tea. But, many preferred to pack the items and take home though. Group photographs were also clicked apart from various moods of the get-together which were already clicked earlier in the day.

At the end all the members went back home with smile on their faces. The entire event was well-orchestrated by the support Staff. Obviously, requests have now started to pour-in for the next get-together around Poila Baisakh, or even earlier!