A recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has uncovered a new sign of dementia that manifests in the feet. This disease, which causes memory loss and difficulties in social relationships, It is a brain disorder caused by nerve cells dying or malfunctioning.
According to the Mayo Clinic Dementia is a set of symptoms that affect thinking, memory and social skills. negatively affect a person’s quality of life. However, it is important to note that memory loss is not always an indication of dementia, but can also have other causes.
The strange sign in the eyes that can indicate dementia
In addition to memory loss, psychological changes such as anxiety, depression, personality changes and inappropriate behavior are also common in people with dementia, according to the medical center.
The same health unit explains that dementia diseases are grouped according to the elements they have in common, such as proteins deposited in the brain or the part of the brain affected. The most common forms include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, mixed dementia and frontotemporal dementia, all of which are progressive and worsen over time.
Dementia with Lewy bodies, highlighted as the second most common form, is characterized by the buildup of proteins called Lewy bodies in brain cells that can affect memory, thinking, movement, and even reduce mental agility.
The sign of dementia that occurs in the feet
However, there is one sign of dementia that is among the least known, namely the involvement of the feet and legs in the form of movement disorders, similar to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This may cause the person to walk with shuffling feet.
Lewy body dementia also affects the autonomic nervous system, causing problems with sweating, digestion and blood pressure. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing.
On the other hand, a study published in the JAMA Network shows that slower walking or gait deterioration may be associated with an increased risk of dementia in older adults. The research was based on a cohort study in which 16,855 elderly people from the USA and Australia were examined and their gait and cognitive functions were analyzed.
It is important to note that this new insight into the signs of dementia in the feet highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding the various symptoms and manifestations of this condition. Experts recommend maintaining healthy habits, such as a diet rich in vegetables and fruits and regular physical activity. In addition, it must be taken into account that factors such as age, family history and Down syndrome can also influence the development of this disease.