Housewife's Frequent Forgetfulness Not Normal Aging, Missed Critical 10 Years for Dementia Prevention

Central News Agency (Reporter Tseng Yi-ning, Taipei, 15th) A 67-year-old housewife began to frequently forget trivial matters. Her family thought it was normal aging, but 10 years later, brain imaging showed significant brain atrophy. Doctors say that if medical attention is sought only when dementia affects daily life, the neurological damage may be difficult to reverse.

Taiwan has officially entered a super-aged society. The latest domestic survey indicates that the prevalence rate of dementia among seniors aged 65 and above in Taiwan is 7.99%, which is a health issue that cannot be ignored. Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare (commissioned by Taipei Medical University) held a health education press conference today to unveil a "Comprehensive Brain Protection Guide."

Hu Chao-jung, Dean of the College of Medicine at Taipei Medical University, pointed out that the development of dementia is a long process. Facing the coming "dementia tsunami," the defense line must be significantly pushed forward from "mid-to-late stage long-term care."

Hu Chao-jung stated that the golden defense line lies in "mild cognitive impairment." During this period, although patients show objective decline in memory or cognitive tests, they can still maintain daily self-care. However, about 10% to 15% of them progress to dementia each year. This period is the only and precious golden reversal period to delay dementia.

Brain degeneration has traceable signs, explained Huang Li-kai, Director of the Dementia Center at Shuang Ho Hospital. A 67-year-old housewife began to frequently forget trivial matters as early as 2015, showing subjective cognitive decline, but her family mistakenly thought it was normal aging. It wasn't until 2025, when her cognitive score dropped to 22 points, that she was diagnosed with moderate dementia, missing a 10-year golden intervention period.

Huang Li-kai reminded that brain degeneration will be reflected in daily behaviors early on. It is important to closely observe seniors' daily warning signs and life difficulties, such as sudden suspicion and irritability, flat tone of voice, incoherent speech, difficulty with previously skilled daily tasks like cooking, slowed walking pace, and difficulty turning around. These could all be warning signs, and medical attention should be sought early for professional help.

Ye Tian-hsin, a rehabilitation physician at Taipei Medical University, reminded that diet, exercise, and cognitive training, combined with a healthy lifestyle, are currently one of the most scientifically proven non-pharmacological brain protection strategies. In terms of exercise, resistance training can protect the brain by promoting the secretion of myokines, while aerobic exercise enhances cardiopulmonary fitness and releases other exercise factors to protect the brain. The two pathways are complementary, and combined training offers better cognitive protection than a single type of exercise.

Ye Tian-hsin stated that the more critical aspect is "dual-task training," which can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor after exercise and enhance brain plasticity. If combined with sufficiently challenging cognitive training at this time, it can further strengthen cognitive function. (Edited by Wu Su-rou) 1150415

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