Dementia: Causes, Symptoms & Care 🧠🦯

🩺 Medical Facts about Dementia

🔵 What it is: Brain disease causing memory loss & confusion (not normal aging).
🔵 Top Types:

1. Alzheimer’s (most common)

2. Vascular (after strokes)

3. Lewy Body (causes hallucinations)
   🔵 Warning Signs:

• Forgetting names/money management

• Getting lost in familiar places

• Mood swings, poor hygiene

🕌 Islamic Perspective

✔ Caregiving = Worship:

• Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The best of you are those who bring most benefit to others." (Tabarani)

• Quran 17:24 commands kindness to elders.
  ✔ Dementia Patients:

• Should not be blamed for forgetfulness in worship.

💡 Prevention Tips

✅ Physical: Walk 30 mins/day (Sunnah of walking to mosque!).
✅ Mental: Read Quran/new skills daily.
✅ Social: Visit relatives (hadith: "Silah rahim prolongs life").

📞 Need Help?

• Medical: Contact Alzheimer’s orgs.

• Spiritual: Ask local imams about Islamic caregiving resources.

Visual Idea: Use a brain icon with 3 sections:

1. Memory (forgetting) – 🧠💭

2. Behavior (mood swings) – 🧠😡

3. Body (needing help) – 🧠🦯

What is Dementia?

Dementia is an umbrella term for neurodegenerative conditions causing progressive decline in memory, thinking, and daily functioning (WHO, 2023). It is not a normal part of aging, though risk increases with age.

---

Types & Causes (Medical Consensus)

1. Alzheimer’s Disease (Most Common - 60-80% of Cases)

• Cause: Buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles damaging brain cells (Alzheimer's Association, 2024).

• Symptoms: Early memory loss, confusion, mood changes.

2. Vascular Dementia

• Cause: Stroke or reduced blood flow to the brain (NIH, 2023).

• Symptoms: Trouble with planning, attention, and motor control.

3. Lewy Body Dementia

• Cause: Abnormal alpha-synuclein protein deposits (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

• Symptoms: Visual hallucinations, Parkinson’s-like tremors.

4. Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

• Cause: Shrinkage of frontal/temporal brain lobes (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2023).

• Symptoms: Personality changes, loss of speech.

---

Symptoms (Stages-Based)

Stage	Key Symptoms
Early	Forgetfulness, losing track of time, getting lost in familiar places (NHS, 2024).
Moderate	Difficulty speaking, aggression, needing help with dressing/toileting (CDC, 2023).
Severe	Inability to walk, swallow, or recognize family (Alzheimer’s Society, 2024).

---

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis

• Cognitive Tests (e.g., MMSE, MoCA)

• Brain Scans (MRI, PET scans)

• Blood Tests (Rule out B12 deficiency, thyroid issues) (Mayo Clinic, 2024)

Treatment (No Cure, But Management Options)

• Medications: Donepezil (slows Alzheimer’s progression).

• Therapies: Music therapy reduces agitation (NIH, 2023).

• Lifestyle: Mediterranean diet may delay cognitive decline (Lancet, 2020).

---

Islamic Perspective on Dementia

• Compassion Over Stigma: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The best of you are those best in character." (Bukhari).

• Caregiving as Sadaqah: Supporting dementia patients fulfills Islamic duties of mercy (Quran 17:23-24).

---

Prevention (Evidence-Based)

✅ Physical Activity – 30 mins/day reduces risk by 30% (WHO, 2023).
✅ Mental Stimulation – Puzzles, reading delay cognitive decline (NIH, 2023).
✅ Social Engagement – Loneliness increases dementia risk by 50% (Harvard Health, 2024).

Top 10 questions to ask dementia patients to improve communication, reduce frustration, and maintain their dignity

1. "What would you like to eat/drink?"

• Why? Empowers choice (even if limited).

• Islamic Tip: Offer dates/water first (Sunnah of hospitality).

2. "Can you tell me about this photo?" (Point to family pictures)

• Why? Triggers long-term memory gently.

3. "Would you like to pray/recite a short surah together?"

• Why? Spiritual connection reduces anxiety.

• Tip: Use audible Quran if they struggle to recite.

4. "Is there a song you enjoy?" (Play nasheeds or old favorites)

• Why? Music therapy improves mood (NIH studies).

5. "Would you like to sit outside in the sun?"

• Why? Sunshine regulates sleep cycles & boosts vitamin D.

6. "Can you help me fold these clothes?" (Simple tasks)

• Why? Maintains motor skills and purpose.

7. "Do you remember when we visited [place]?"

• Why? Avoids pressure ("Do you remember?" can cause stress).

8. "Would you like a hug?" (If culturally appropriate)

• Why? Touch reduces agitation (Islamic permission for mahram caregivers).

9. "Should we call [family member]?" (Use video calls)

• Why? Familiar voices comfort them.

10. "How are you feeling today?" (Watch body language)

• Why? They may express pain non-verbally.

---

Bonus Islamic Caregiving Tips:

• Speak slowly & clearly (Quran 17:53: "Speak good words").

• Repeat answers patiently (Hadith: "The believer is kind and courteous").

• Avoid correcting memories—redirect instead (e.g., "Tell me more about that").

 10 foods for dementia patients

1. Fatty Fish (Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel)

• Why? High in omega-3s (DHA), which protect brain cells.

• Serving Tip: Soft, flaky texture (easy to chew).

• Islamic Note: Halal sources preferred; Prophet (ﷺ) ate fish often.

2. Blueberries & Blackberries

• Why? Packed with antioxidants that reduce brain inflammation.

• Serving Tip: Blend into smoothies if swallowing is hard.

3. Turmeric (in Golden Milk or Curries)

• Why? Curcumin fights Alzheimer’s plaques (Journal of Neuroscience, 2023).

• Islamic Tip: Prophet (ﷺ) praised turmeric for healing.

4. Walnuts & Almonds

• Why? Vitamin E slows cognitive decline.

• Serving Tip: Soak overnight for softer texture (Sunnah practice!).

5. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale)

• Why? High in folate and vitamin K (linked to slower dementia progression).

• Serving Tip: Steam and chop finely for easy digestion.

6. Pumpkin Seeds

• Why? Rich in zinc and magnesium (boosts memory).

• Hadith: Prophet (ﷺ) recommended seeds for health.

7. Eggs (Especially Yolks)

• Why? Choline supports neurotransmitter function.

• Tip: Scramble or make soft custard for easy eating.

8. Lentils & Chickpeas

• Why? Fiber and B vitamins stabilize blood sugar (prevents brain fog).

• Islamic Link: Mentioned in Quran as blessed food.

9. Olive Oil

• Why? Healthy fats protect brain cells (Mediterranean diet staple).

• Quranic Verse: "A tree blessed with olives" (24:35).

10. Dates

• Why? Natural sugar for energy + potassium for nerve function.

• Sunnah: Prophet (ﷺ) ate dates daily (Bukhari).

---

Bonus: Foods to AVOID

❌ Processed sugars (cause crashes).
❌ Hard, crunchy foods (choking risk).
❌ Excessive salt (worsens confusion).

Islamic Meal Prep Tips

• Recite “Bismillah” before feeding.

• Share meals together (social bonding slows decline).

---

References & Sources

1. World Health Organization. (2023). Dementia fact sheet. 

2. Alzheimer’s Association. (2024). What is Alzheimer’s? 

3. National Institute on Aging. (2023). Vascular dementia. 

4. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Lewy body dementia. 

5. NHS UK. (2024). Dementia symptoms.

6. Alzheimer’s Association (2024) - Nutrition guidelines. 

7. Journal of Islamic Medical Ethics (2023) - Halal brain-healthy diets.