Dementia - Doctor Q&A

Is dementia genetic?

Answered by Dr Nagaendran Kandiah Senior Dietitian Department of Neurology National Neuroscience Institute

If you’re diagnosed below the age of 65, young-onset dementia, as it is called, is more likely to be genetic. But even then, the likelihood of a genetic link is only about 5-10 per cent. After the age of 65, if you have one first-degree relative with dementia, your risk of dementia is multiplied by three. If you have two or more such relatives, your risk is multiplied up to seven times.

Are computer games useful? What if the dementia patient has delusions and cannot distinguish reality from fantasy?

Answered by Dr Nagaendran Kandiah Senior Dietitian Department of Neurology National Neuroscience Institute

Computer games may be useful to prevent dementia and promote brain activity in normal people or elderly with MCI. If the case of patients already diagnosed with dementia, studies show that they may not be able to cope with computer games and using such games may be a cause of anxiety for them.

I forget the names of people with whom I interact daily. My short-term memory is so short that, when I go online, I may forget what I came to check in the first place when I go on another page. Is this a sign of MCI (mild cognitive impairment)?

Answered by Dr Nagaendran Kandiah Senior Dietitian Department of Neurology National Neuroscience Institute

Symptoms such as forgetting family members’ names may be of concern. However, the situation could be simply due to a low concentration span, arising from poor sleep, excessive stress or depression. I would advise to get a consultation with a doctor.