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Forgetfulness, is it a symptom of memory loss?

Forgetfulness, is it a symptom of memory loss? Are you someone who experiences this problem? "Why was my memory so good before, and now it's something unknown? Forgetting things, doubting if it's Alzheimer's disease." How can we know if it's memory loss or not? "When we were young, we could do many things at the same time without any problems, but as we get older, we need to finish one task before starting another." Has our brain’s ability declined? Forgetfulness is often found as we age, but in today's society, people tend to do multiple tasks at the same time, such as typing while answering the phone. Our brain has the ability to multitask, but when we experience fatigue from working non-stop for hours and days, it can affect our performance. Forgetfulness, also known as poor concentration, can be improved by giving our brain enough rest. For seniors, their brain has been working for many years, so it can be affected by age-related decline. Therefore, doing multiple tasks at the same time can be more challenging, and requires more effort. It's necessary to adjust our work methods by completing tasks one at a time, in order to improve our performance. The global and Thai societies are transitioning into societies of elderly people, with the average age of Thai women being 85 years old and men being 83 years old. With this aging population, memory problems have become another issue for the elderly. Many people try to improve their memory through activities such as meditation, playing games, or memory-enhancing activities, which are becoming increasingly popular. Thai culture has a saying, "Forget the past, focus on the present," which may be suitable for this age group if they need to engage in multiple activities. However, even simple tasks may only be completed successfully due to a decrease in brain function, which is known as mild cognitive impairment. There is no official Thai translation for this term, but if it is called forgetfulness, it will be easier to understand. As people age, this condition becomes more common. A survey found that out of 100 people with forgetfulness, 20-25 of them would develop Alzheimer's disease, which is a high number. If a child, spouse, or partner notices that their loved one has become more forgetful, repeats questions, gets lost while driving, has mood swings, becomes easily angered, is restless at night, likes to search or destroy things, or experiences nerve problems or confusion, they should seek the advice of a neurological expert to test their memory, check their blood, and examine their brain to find the cause. The 4 frequently found types of memory loss are: 1. Alzheimer's disease, which is the most common, initially presents with forgetfulness of recent events, but long-term memory remains normal. The patient tends to repeat questions, has problems with calculations, gives incorrect change, and miscounts. Usually, relatives do not notice these symptoms because they think they are normal for older people. However, over time, symptoms become more severe, with more forgetfulness such as leaving water or lights on, erratic behavior, daytime sleepiness, waking up at night, having arguments with neighbors, or worrying about burglars. If diagnosed by a doctor, the patient will be treated with medication and behavioral changes. If the symptoms are severe enough to affect daily life, close care is needed because self-help becomes difficult. 2. Memory loss from cerebral vascular disease is the second most common. People who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease for many years, may eventually become indifferent, speak less, and have difficulty walking, urinating, or defecating, which then leads to seeking medical attention. After undergoing a brain computer examination, if multiple cerebral blood vessels are found to be blocked, doctors will diagnose it as memory loss from cerebral vascular disease, which requires taking blood clotting medications and memory enhancing drugs. Some patients also need psychiatric treatment, along with controlling their chronic illnesses. This will improve their memory. 3. Memory loss from Parkinson's disease is caused by damage to the nerve cells in the brain, which gradually worsens over time, causing difficulty with movement, muscle stiffness, and tremors. Patients may also have cognitive symptoms, such as memory loss, difficulty paying attention, and decreased ability to make decisions. This type of memory loss is treated with medication, but some patients may require surgery in severe cases. 4. Memory impairment disease caused by an enlarged ventricle in the brain. Symptoms include difficulty walking, urinary incontinence, and later, memory loss. Doctors will perform a brain computer scan and if they find that the enlarged ventricle is abnormal, they may recommend surgery to insert a tube to drain the fluid in the brain which can improve symptoms. Therefore, if someone close to you begins to experience forgetfulness and is unsure if it is memory impairment disease, it is recommended to consult a neurologist for memory tests, blood tests, and brain scans. If there is a family history of Alzheimer's disease or concern about inheriting a genetic type of memory disease, genetic testing for abnormalities and specialized brain scans such as a PET scan can be done. There are many ways to train memory, but if it follows a Buddhist path, it is recommended to recite mantras before bedtime every night, or listen to instrumental music to relax.

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Syncope

Syncope         Syncope is a condition characterized by a sudden loss of consciousness caused by a temporary lack of blood flow to the brain. The causes of syncope can range from a simple fainting episode to a more serious heart condition. Patients who have experienced syncope themselves or have a loved one who has experienced it may experience anxiety and loss of confidence, as they may not be sure when they or their loved one may experience syncope again. If syncope occurs while driving, crossing the road, or during physical activity, there may be concerns about how to recover, how to provide basic care, and what to do next. It is better to understand syncope to be better prepared.   Syncope occurs when the brain lacks oxygen due to a severe drop in blood pressure, which causes the control center of the brain to malfunction. There are several important causes of syncope, including: 1. Arrhythmia, in which the heart beats irregularly, either too slow or too fast, leading to inadequate blood supply to the brain, which can be life-threatening in some cases. 2. Heart disease that causes obstruction of blood flow, such as severe heart valve disease or coronary artery disease. 3. Low blood pressure, which is often caused by dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, or excessive use of blood pressure-lowering medications, especially in elderly patients. 4. Simple fainting, which is the most common cause of syncope. Patients often have a history of fainting since childhood, and it may occur when they see blood, needles, stand in the sun, or are in a crowded space. 5. Neurogenic Syncope, which is an abnormality of the autonomic nervous system, is commonly found in elderly people and cannot be controlled by maintaining blood pressure. 6. Seizures   What are the warning signs of fainting?          Before fainting, some people may experience warning signs such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, the urge to defecate, sweating, and feeling cold. If the fainting is due to a heart condition, there may be palpitations beforehand, or there may be no warning signs at all. During fainting, there may be stiffness and jerking, which can be confused with seizures.   How should you behave when about to faint? Quickly lie down on the ground to increase blood flow to the brain, which can prevent fainting and reduce the risk of injury. If you are driving, stop immediately and adjust your seating position to lying flat. If you are a passenger, find a seat or lying position in the vehicle. Alert those around you that you are about to faint and avoid getting out of the car, as fainting while standing can be dangerous.   What should you do if you see someone faint? Provide basic first aid by having the patient lie down flat to prevent injury from fainting. Observe the patient's physical condition, such as pale face, green lips, sweating, or cold body, to determine the cause of fainting. This can provide clues to the underlying medical condition. If the patient has convulsions or shows other signs of nervous system issues, seek medical attention. If it is suspected that the fainting is due to a heart condition, a medical examination of the heart should be conducted. If it is suspected that the fainting is caused by other factors, a tilt table test can be performed to diagnose the condition.   Is there a test to determine the cause of fainting? The testing depends on the suspected cause of fainting by the physician. If the fainting is suspected to be caused by a heart condition, a heart examination is required. If the patient has convulsions or shows other signs of nervous system issues, medical consultation is needed. If it is suspected that the fainting is caused by other factors, a tilt table test can be performed to diagnose the condition.

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Change your life in 4 minutes

Stress can cause dangerous diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. Try using the technique recommended by American psychotherapist, Daniela Tempesta, which uses the body to help balance your mind in just 4 minutes.   During a rushed period, if you happen to feel anxious and on edge, try this technique to prevent stress from causing dangerous diseases.   Here's how: 1. Move your body in a warm-up exercise When your heart is racing or you feel tense, in the first minute, try changing your posture. For example, stand up and move the muscles in your face by making different facial expressions 3-4 times. Lastly, place your hand on your chest lightly to help you become aware of the present moment. 2. Smile at yourself for 30 seconds Give yourself a sweet smile in the mirror. A study from the University of Kansas, USA, has shown that smiling can reduce heart rate and blood pressure wonderfully, even if you don't feel happy enough to smile. This technique is a better choice than frowning and leaving wrinkles on your face. 3.Sit and calm yourself for another 2 and a half minutes Sit up straight and focus your mind. A study from Harvard University, USA, has found that focusing on your breath and being present in the moment for 2 and a half minutes can help reduce stress hormones in the body.   That’s all! These are easy to follow tips to help you manage stress. Credit: Cheevajit magazine

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Heart Failure

Heart Failure Heart failure refers to a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to support the body. Heart failure does not mean the heart has stopped beating. We refer to heart failure as a condition where the heart is not functioning properly, causing various tissues to lack oxygen. If the left side of the heart fails, there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs called pulmonary edema. If the right side of the heart fails, there is an accumulation of fluid in the legs, causing swelling. Heart failure can occur suddenly, for example, after a heart attack or can develop slowly due to diseases of the heart muscle or the heart valves.   Causes of heart failure: As we age, the heart's ability to contract decreases. If there are conditions that cause the heart to work harder, or if there is a loss of the heart's ability to contract effectively, heart failure can occur. In addition, certain behaviors increase the risk of heart failure, such as smoking, obesity, a diet high in fat, and lack of exercise. There are many causes of heart failure, and sometimes the cause is unclear.   Common reasons for heart failure: Coronary Heart Disease: patients usually have a history of chest pain. When the blood flow to the heart muscle is insufficient, the   heart muscle cannot efficiently pump blood to the body. For those with sudden and severe coronary artery blockages, the heart muscle may lack blood supply and die, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Myocarditis: caused by some types of viral infections, which cause inflammation of the heart muscle and lead to heart failure. Hypertension: when blood pressure rises, the heart muscle thickens and has to work harder, which can cause heart failure. Rheumatic Heart Disease: can cause the heart valves to become narrowed or leaky, leading to heart failure. Congenital Heart Disease: heart defects present at birth. Pulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary embolism, can cause the right side of the heart to fail. Arrhythmias: abnormal heart rhythms can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slow, which can lead to insufficient blood flow. Toxins: substances such as alcohol or drugs can damage the heart muscle. Thyroid toxicity.   Symptoms of heart failure:   Patients may have mild symptoms and not pay attention, but many come to see a doctor when the symptoms become severe. Patients who have been diagnosed with heart failure should know what symptoms to look for and should monitor them closely. Some of the symptoms that may be present are:   Easy fatigue: If the heart failure is not severe, patients may only feel tired when performing heavy work. If the heart failure is more severe, the severity of fatigue will increase, and even normal activities that were previously possible will become tiring. Patients may feel tired even when resting. If the fatigue changes for the worse, it is important to see a doctor. Fatigue after lying down: After lying down for 1-2 hours, patients may feel tired and need to sit up to feel better. Some patients cannot lie flat at all, which is called Orthopnea. Easy weakness Swollen feet or abdomen due to fluid retention Rapid weight gain Chronic cough, especially if the sputum is red or pink, needs urgent medical attention because it may be a sign of pulmonary edema. Nausea and vomiting due to decreased blood supply to the digestive system Memory loss and confusion Palpitations and rapid heart rate.   Treatment Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which the continuous destruction of the heart muscle leads to the symptoms of rheumatic heart disease. Patients must cooperate in the treatment process, which includes the following principles:   Behavior modification Use of medications Treatment of underlying conditions such as balloon angioplasty for blocked heart arteries, and heart valve surgery Use of devices to control heart rate Prevention of rheumatic heart disease   Preventing the disease before it occurs, also known as primary prevention, is the best approach. This can be achieved through the following methods:   Modifying lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, such as regular exercise, consuming a healthy diet, avoiding high-fat and salty foods, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding stress, and refraining from smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. Treating existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, narrowed or leaking heart valves, and heart failure. Regular medical check-ups to detect early signs of heart disease before it progresses.

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ภาวะเส้นเลือดขอดบริเวณขา

Varicose veins Varicose veins are a condition that is commonly found in women, especially those over the age of 50. In women, the occurrence of the enlargement of red blood vessels (Telangiectasis) is more than four times that of men, with over 50% of women experiencing this condition. However, at the same time, the size of varicose veins in men can be up to twice as large as in women. Varicose veins occur due to abnormalities in the aforementioned valves, which cause blood to flow back and result in blood pooling within the veins and causing them to become swollen. The main factors that contribute to the occurrence of blood flow back are pregnancy, excess weight, and having a family history of the condition. In addition to causing pain and swelling in the legs, varicose veins can also increase the risk of developing chronic skin conditions, infections, blood clots, and sudden bleeding in the affected area.   Currently, Vibhavadi hospital offers multiple ways of treating varicose veins, such as:   Injection therapy, which involves injecting substances like Sodium tetradecyl sulfate and Polidocanol into the affected veins to induce clotting and blockage. This method is considered effective and standard, but may have side effects such as bruising, inflammation, and clotting in other veins due to excessive or inappropriate injection, including injecting into red blood vessels, which can cause foot pain. The use of Nd:YAG laser, which has a success rate of up to 75% reduction in varicose veins after one treatment session. This method is effective for both blue and red veins and can be used as a primary or supplementary treatment for patients who have previously received injection therapy but did not see improvement. Surgical removal of the affected veins is another effective method, especially for patients with large or complicated varicose veins.   In addition to these treatments, preventing varicose veins is also important, especially for people who stand for long hours each day, those who are overweight, and pregnant women. Effective prevention methods include elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings.

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Herniated Nucleus Pulposus

Herniated Nucleus Pulposus Herniated nucleus pulposus is a condition where the cushioning material in the spinal discs ruptures, causing the inner part of the disc to push out and compress the spinal nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area, and can occur in people of all ages from teenagers to the elderly. This condition can affect the spinal discs at any level, from the neck to the lower back.   If the herniated disc is in the neck area, the patient may experience pain that radiates from the shoulder to the fingertips, either constantly or when turning the head left or right. The affected hand and arm may also feel weaker than the other side.   If the herniated disc is in the lower back area, the patient may experience pain that radiates from the buttocks down to the legs, often worse when sitting for long periods of time, such as when driving. The pain may also be accompanied by numbness or tingling in the toes, and in severe cases, weakness in the legs that can cause difficulty walking.   The herniated disc can be detected through imaging tests, which show a bulging or ruptured disc that compresses the nerves in the spinal canal. Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.   Treatment: For spinal cord compression, the treatments that are commonly used include taking medication, physical therapy, and surgery if necessary. Proper exercise or physical activity is also important, such as maintaining good posture while sitting and not sitting for long periods of time continuously. It is recommended to change positions regularly. As for exercise, general physical activities such as walking and freestyle swimming can be performed. However, exercises that involve back and abdominal muscles should be avoided during periods of severe pain. When the symptoms improve, exercises can be initiated by lying on the back with bent knees, then contracting the curved part of the back and pressing the small of the back against the floor for 5 seconds and then relaxing. Repeat this exercise 10 times.

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Vertigo and loss of balance

Vertigo and loss of balance Restoring body balance and coordination through body and head exercise techniques   1. Eye and neck muscle exercises (sitting) 1.1 Look up and down repeatedly for 20 times, then look to the left and right for 20 times slowly and then faster. When comfortable, move your head accordingly, such as turning your head to the right when looking right, looking up when tilting your head up, and looking down when tilting your head down. 1.2 Look at the tip of your finger and move your hand closer to your body by 1 foot, then move it back to the starting position. Repeat 20 times. 1.3 Close your eyes and tilt your head down as if you're counting something, then tilt your head back. Repeat 20 times. 1.4 Turn your head to the left and right, then forget about your eyes. 1.5 Tilt your right ear towards your right shoulder, then straighten up. Tilt your left ear towards your left shoulder, then straighten up. Repeat 20 times, then forget about your eyes.   2. Postures to stimulate overall body coordination (5-10 minutes)   2.1 Stand in the corner with an assistant standing behind for support, with your feet close together and rotate your head back and forth 15-20 times. 2.2 Rotate your entire body back and forth (keep your feet together as before) 15-20 times. 2.3 Stand with your feet together, face the corner of the room, place your hands on the wall, and gently push one hip and knee at a time to adjust your balance. 2.4 Stand in the same position, lift one knee at a time and try to stand on one leg for 5-10 seconds. Alternate legs.   3. Management of dizziness in positions that cause dizziness (approximately 10 minutes):   3.1 If the patient feels dizzy while lying on their side, sit them up on the bed and lift their body while their left ear touches the bed. Sit straight while their right ear touches the bed. 3.2 If the patient feels dizzy while lying on their back or looking up, sit them up on a chair, lean forward and try to touch their left knee with their nose and hold for 10-20 seconds. Then stretch their body up and lean their right ear to their right shoulder for 10-20 seconds. Alternate sides and try to hold each position for 5-10 minutes, even if there are still symptoms of dizziness, in order to overcome the symptoms.   4. General physical management:   This type of management is not systematic, but patients often find it more enjoyable. Patients can choose to do any activity they like for at least 20 minutes a day, such as: 4.1 Watch and enjoy sports like badminton, tennis, golf, football, etc. 4.2 Take a walk in nature and observe birds and trees, look at the ground and the sky, bend down to pick up things (with assistance), and practice walking on soft surfaces. 4.3 Engage in low-impact sports such as table tennis, basketball, golf, etc. (but swimming is not allowed).

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What ‘chest pain’ can tell you

What ‘chest pain’ can tell you Chest pain can be caused by various diseases. Many people get scared and think it must be heart disease, especially if the symptoms occur frequently. The confidence in one's strong health disappears and is replaced by anxiety. However, chest pain may or may not be related to heart disease, as there are many factors that can cause it, including:   1. Sudden lack of blood flow to the heart The symptoms of this disease will cause tightness or compression in the chest area, aching or sore shoulders, soreness in the back, or a pinching sensation under the ribs. This kind of pain often occurs during exercise and feels like something is pressing or squeezing the middle of the chest. Some people experience pain in the neck, back, and both arms, especially the left arm. The symptoms can be relieved by resting or taking Nitroglycerin. We can take care of ourselves by controlling our weight to be within the standard range, exercising at an appropriate level, and getting our heart function checked once a year. This will allow the doctor to recommend self-care methods that can help prevent chest pain and serious complications.   2. Chest pain from a burning sensation in the chest or throat This is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when the food in your stomach and the acid in your stomach, which helps digest food, are pushed back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Because the acid in the stomach is highly acidic, you may feel a burning sensation behind your chest bone. The stomach is lined with a layer of mucous that helps prevent the corrosive effects of the acid from damaging it, whereas the esophagus does not have this protective layer. If you experience this symptom twice a week or more, you may have GERD and need treatment. Otherwise, it could lead to asthma, chest tightness, or increase the risk of developing hard-to-treat cancer.   3. Strained muscle in the chest area Also known as a "pulled chest muscle," this is a common injury that occurs during sports activities, either during training or intense competition where the muscles are heavily used. Athletes are at a higher risk of re-injuring the muscle, and it may cause chronic pain.   4. Uncomfortable feeling inside the chest This sensation may be unexplained or could be the result of a previous impact or trauma to the chest. Pain relief medication or anti-inflammatory medication can help alleviate the discomfort.   5. Pericarditis If you are one of the people fighting a viral infection in the past two or three days, you may have experienced sudden chest pain because it is a side effect that causes inflammation in the tissue layer around the heart. This also includes abnormalities in the immune system, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Although pericarditis is often not very dangerous, it can affect your quality of life, so it is important to see a doctor for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.   6. Diseases of the pericardium Diseases of the pericardium can cause fever and chest pain, which are common and can reduce the body's ability to function. Treatment should be done through a surgical procedure to remove the thickened pericardial tissue, which can help alleviate chest pain.   For further inquiries, please contact the Cardiology Center at Vibhavadi Hospital Tel. 02-561-1111 ext. 1322-1323.                  

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Every hour, 5 Thai people die from heart disease

Every hour, 5 Thai people die from heart disease   Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, coronary heart disease, or heart failure, is a leading cause of death worldwide. Some people require surgery, such as bypass or angioplasty, to widen their arteries and improve blood flow to their heart. It's important to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, as they cause over 11.2 million deaths each year, accounting for 80% of premature deaths due to cardiovascular disease. However, these deaths can be prevented by controlling risk factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity.   It is estimated that roughly 5 Thai people die from heart disease every hour, or over 65,000 people per year, which could have been prevented.   Many people may think it's fortunate that it's not them or their loved ones, but understanding and applying the knowledge from this article can help promote peace of mind and improve their health even more.   The heart muscle, like any other organ, needs oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Blood is supplied to the heart through the coronary arteries, which branch off from the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The coronary arteries are about 3-4 millimeters in diameter and branch off from the base of the aorta, which is often referred to as the "heart valve."   The coronary arteries have two large blood vessels, namely the left and right coronary arteries. The heart's coronary artery is located on the outside surface of the heart and branches cover every square inch of the inner wall of the coronary artery with small cells called endothelium. The endothelium acts like a good coating of waterproofing tiles by releasing various important substances that prevent blockages in the coronary artery caused by blood clots and fatty deposits. Additionally, there are substances that help to dilate the blood vessels, improving blood flow.   The cells of the endothelial tissue are similar to all cells in our body that naturally grow, wear down and die over time. If this occurs gradually and naturally, such as with age, it typically does not cause any serious problems. However, if it occurs before its time, it can lead to issues. Think of the condition of a tile floor that becomes stained and loses its shine with debris and dirt accumulating over time. The same can happen in the coronary artery, where fatty deposits build up on the wall of the 3mm-sized artery.   The accumulation and buildup of the aforementioned fat actually occurs gradually from a very young age, although it is determined by several factors such as genetics, the amount of fat consumed, smoking, and high blood pressure.   If the accumulation of fat is minimal (less than 50% of the blood vessel), it may not cause any problems, but if it is excessive, which often exceeds 70% of the blood vessels, the blood flow may not be sufficient to meet the demands of the heart muscle. This can lead to chronic ischemic muscle disease, especially when the body and heart muscle require more blood flow, such as during exercise. This may cause symptoms that may improve on their own after rest, except for some cases that may require the use of drugs to dilate the blood vessels, known as sprays or sublingual tablets.   If chest pain occurs gradually, it can cause chronic ischemic muscle disease, especially when the body and heart muscle require more blood flow, such as during exercise. This may cause symptoms that may improve on their own after rest, except for some cases that may require the use of drugs to dilate the blood vessels, known as sprays or sublingual tablets.   If chest pain occurs suddenly, which is often caused by the lipid plaque that has ruptured the inner surface of the coronary arteries, then blood clots form and completely block the arteries. This can cause acute myocardial infarction, with symptoms ranging from chest discomfort to sudden death due to cardiac arrest. Some lucky ones may be taken to the hospital and receive treatment, while others may not survive.   Best wishes from Vibhavadi Cardiology Center

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