Dementia is a degenerative disease caused by damage to brain nerve cells, leading to cognitive decline and often accompanied by changes in mood, emotion, behavior, and motivation. More than 20 percent of older adults in Indonesia experience memory problems. The number of dementia cases is projected to increase from around 1.2 million today to nearly 4 million by 2050.
Dr. Probosuseno, Consultant Internist in Geriatric Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), explained that dementia can be categorized by severity, ranging from mild to moderate and severe.
“Dementia is not just ordinary forgetfulness,” said Dr. Probo during the talk show “Recognize and Prevent Alzheimer’s” at the Pasar Krempyeng Guyub Rukun event held at Universitas Gadjah Mada Academic Hospital (RSA UGM) on Wednesday (Sep. 24).
He explained that while mild forgetfulness can occur in anyone, when a person begins to forget fundamental aspects of daily life, this condition falls into the category of severe dementia. In Indonesia, the number of dementia cases continues to rise along with population aging.
“The older a person gets, the higher the risk of experiencing a decline in brain function,” he said.
According to Dr. Probo, dementia can be triggered by Alzheimer’s disease or other neurodegenerative disorders resulting from obesity, high blood lipid levels, and chronic fatigue due to insufficient sleep, in addition to aging as a natural risk factor.
As people age, brain function inevitably declines.
Unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption can accelerate the onset of dementia. Hypertension and diabetes are also contributing factors.
“That is why alcohol should be avoided because it disrupts the body’s metabolism. Impaired sensory organs are also more vulnerable to memory loss,” Dr. Probo said.
He added that certain infections, such as shingles (herpes zoster) affecting the brain, can also cause nerve damage leading to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
“Although heredity plays a role, its influence is relatively small, accounting for only about 20 percent,” he explained.
To prevent dementia, Dr. Probo encouraged the public, especially older adults, to maintain brain health by engaging in activities such as reading, listening, writing, and explaining information, which provide intellectual stimulation through repetition.
A nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, vegetables, fruits, and adequate water intake is also essential.
“For oranges, it is best consumed with the white fiber because it helps lower bad cholesterol,” he noted.
Equally important, he added, is maintaining spiritual activities such as prayer, fasting, and charity to calm the mind and reduce stress.
Engaging in hobbies and artistic activities such as singing, writing poetry, practicing martial arts, and participating in social activities is also beneficial.
He further recommended light exercise, such as walking or cycling, to maintain normal blood sugar levels, along with monitoring blood pressure and body weight by following a healthy diet.
“The difficult part is reducing coconut milk, fried foods, and flour-based products, but this is crucial,” Dr. Probo concluded.
As part of the Pasar Krempyeng Rebo Wage event, RSA UGM also organized various activities, including morning exercises for older adults, a cooking demonstration by the RSA UGM’s fostered community group KWT Sidodadi Kronggahan featuring taro-based brownies and croquettes, as well as free health checkups and sujok therapy.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photographs: Freepik and Salwa