Mental health specialist at the World Health Organization, Dr. Catherine Seher, revealed a shocking statistic regarding dementia cases around the world. During the episode "Science in Five" broadcast on the WHO's official platforms, she mentioned that one person can develop dementia every three seconds, despite it not being a normal part of aging. She clarified that two out of three people in their nineties do not have dementia, emphasizing that it is a medical condition affecting the brain and can also occur in individuals in their forties and fifties.
Dementia is an overarching term for a variety of diseases that destroy nerve cells and impair brain function, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause. Dementia typically leads to memory loss and cognitive decline, such as forgetting words, misplacing items, easily getting lost, having trouble following conversations, or performing usual tasks.
Dr. Seher pointed out that there is currently no cure for dementia, although some medications can help certain individuals manage symptoms for a time without addressing the underlying causes. She added that research is underway for potential treatments, but it will take time before these can be safely and widely provided. Early diagnosis is important as it helps individuals and their families understand the symptoms and plan for the future.
Dr. Seher advised that every patient diagnosed with dementia should live as actively as possible—physically, mentally, and socially—because this helps them stay independent and maintain a good quality of life for longer. She explained that dementia does not usually run in families, but there are shared risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, poor diet, or living in an area with high air pollution.
Moreover, Dr. Seher explained that, unlike genetics, there are proactive measures to prevent or reduce the risk of developing dementia. For instance, what is good for heart health is also beneficial for brain health. Thus, individuals should be physically active, eat a healthy diet, and manage conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Dr. Seher concluded by highlighting another important message: throughout life, it is essential to engage in brain training and protect it from injuries. Activities such as learning a new language, meeting friends, or participating in simple sports can stimulate the brain and help forge new and stronger connections between nerve cells, ultimately aiding in the fight against the disease.
