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Wu Dunyi has reported prefrontal lobe degeneration. Doctors analyzed that this could cause apathy, decreased attention and disorganized behavior, but stressed that it does not mean dementia. At this stage, symptomatic treatment and social participation are used to delay functional decline.
former vice presidentvu duniya At a recent foundation housewarming tea party, Cai Lingyi, president of the Taipei Wu Duni Cultural and Educational Foundation and Wu Duni’s wife, mentioned that the prefrontal lobe of Wu Duni’s brain has deteriorated, affecting some emotional expression and language functions. taiwandementia Xu Wenjun, president of the association, explained that the prefrontal lobe is the “advanced social” brain, which controls people’s decision-making, drives and social behavior. If the prefrontal lobe malfunctions, apathy, lack of attention, or behavior that does not conform to social norms may occur. Currently, there are no medications that can reverse the degeneration, but cognitive function can be boosted by participating in social activities.
Wu Dunyi recently attended the foundation tea party in a wheelchair. Columnist Lan Butterfly also participated. Cai Lingyi shared at the meeting that Wu Dunyi had resigned from the post of president of the foundation due to health reasons. He acknowledged that the degeneration of his prefrontal lobe affected some emotional expression and language functions. Although his expression and conversation methods have changed, Wu Dunyi still understands everyone’s care and support and is full of gratitude.
Xu Wenjun stated that the prefrontal lobe is responsible for controlling “high-level social” behaviors, including decision making, setting goals, driving behavior, and controlling words and actions to conform to social norms. People learn social norms from an early age and gradually establish appropriate behavior patterns, and the prefrontal lobe is involved in the regulation of these behaviors.
Therefore, symptoms of prefrontal lobe degeneration are mostly related to motivation, social behavior, and attention. Xu Wenjun pointed out that motivation may decrease, become apathetic, and lose interest or motivation in what you originally wanted to do; Secondly, you may engage in behavior that does not conform to social norms, such as telling dirty jokes, wearing inappropriate clothing, urinating and defecating everywhere, and other behaviors that others find strange; Although the prefrontal lobe is not directly related to memory, it will affect concentration. When patients cannot concentrate on receiving and processing information, it can indirectly affect memory performance.
Xu Wenjun pointed out that the structure of the brain can be roughly divided into three parts from the inside to the outside. The center of the brain is primarily responsible for maintaining basic survival functions, such as finding food, avoiding attacks, etc.; The outer cortex is responsible for cognition, memory, planning, and language communication skills; And then there’s the advanced social brain like the prefrontal lobe, which is responsible for decision making and socialization. It does not have the basic structure to maintain life functions, so degeneration of the prefrontal lobe will not affect physical functions.
Xu Wenjun emphasized that prefrontal lobe degeneration is not directly equivalent to dementia. Dementia is a brain disease that causes cognitive function loss and affects the ability to live daily lives. It is so severe that it is impossible to live independently and requires the help of others for care. For example, the left side of the brain is related to language functioning. If it is damaged and aphasia occurs, it does not mean that you will suffer from dementia.
Zhu Wenjun pointed out that what is called “degeneration” in medicine is not normal aging, but involves the necrosis of brain neurons or glial cells. This happens gradually and is not an abnormality that happens overnight. Local brain atrophy can be seen via MRI, or worsening of glucose metabolism in this region can be detected via glucose positron imaging.
How to delay it or treat it, Xu Wenjun said that if nerve cell damage has occurred, it is generally difficult to completely reverse it. There is currently a lack of drugs that are generally considered effective and that can directly stop the progression of the disease. Currently the main treatment is symptomatic. If the patient has depression, apathy, or disorganized behavior due to delusions or hallucinations, doctors may use related medications to improve symptoms. Furthermore, by participating in social activities, cognitive enrichment and stimulation can be achieved, and cell connections can be enhanced, which may help enhance cognitive function.
Summary FAQ
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Cai Lingyi said that Wu Dunyi’s prefrontal lobe degeneration has affected some emotional expression and language functions, but he can still understand the care and support of the outside world, but his conversation style and expression ability have changed.
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Xu Wenjun explained that the prefrontal lobe is responsible for decision making, motivation, and social behavior. After relapse, it can lead to apathy, lack of attention, or disorganized behavior that does not conform to social norms, such as telling dirty jokes and dressing inappropriately.
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Doctors emphasized that prefrontal lobe degeneration does not directly equate to dementia. Dementia is an impairment of cognitive function that affects daily life. Currently, symptomatic treatment is primarily used, and participation in social activities is encouraged to boost cognitive function.
