Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of symptoms that include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, reasoning, problem-solving and language. These symptoms are caused by several conditions, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common—some 62 percent of dementia sufferers are diagnosed with it. Alzheimer’s occurs when certain proteins build problems between nerve cells. This leads eventually to cell death and a loss of brain tissue. Sufferers also have a shortage of certain chemicals that transmit signals around the brain. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that starts with relatively mild symptoms such as memory lapses (forgetting appointments or anniversaries, for example) and progresses as more and more of the brain is damaged. Eventually, sufferers will have severe problems with memory, communicating, orientation and reasoning, and will need help with every aspect of their daily lives. Science has not yet discovered a proven means of preventing dementia, but research has shown that there may be ways you can delay the onset of symptoms.
Staying sharp
Remaining cognitively active into your old age could play a huge part in preventing dementia, as there is some evidence to suggest that dementia rates are lower in those who remain mentally and socially active throughout their lives—it is thought that mental activity helps the brain to better cope with damage. Activities such as playing musical instruments, reading, doing puzzles, playing sports, learning a foreign language and further education could all contribute towards reducing your risk.
See also: Cancer Awareness: Reduce Your Risk
Heart happy
Maintaining your cardiovascular health by eating healthily and exercising for at least 150 minutes every week is essential, as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia has also been linked to cardiovascular disease. If you smoke you should quit—not only will this improve your heart health, but it will in itself contribute to preventing dementia as research has shown that smokers have a 50 percent greater chance of developing the disease (source: Alzheimer’s Society). You should also make sure your blood pressure is regularly checked as high blood pressure in middle age can increase the likelihood of developing dementia in later life.
Cut down on your drinking
Binge drinking and excessive alcohol consumption damages the brain, as it can reduce the volume of the brain’s white matter, which helps to transmit signals between its many different areas. Heavy, long term consumption can also lead to a vitamin thiamine B1 deficiency as well as Korsakoff’s Syndrome, which affects short-term memory. At present there isn’t enough evidence to prove that drinking in moderation also comes with an increased risk of dementia.
Let’s get physical
As well as improving cardiovascular health, being more physically active has been directly linked to improved cognitive performance in old age—the Alzheimer’s Society says it’s one of the best methods in preventing dementia.
Several studies have reported a link between aerobic exercise and improvements in thinking and memory among middle-aged and older adults—it also increased the chance of preventing dementia. In one instance, the combined results of 11 studies showed that regular exercise lowered the risk of developing dementia by about 30 percent (source: Alzheimer’s Society). You don’t necessarily need to play sport to engage in aerobic exercise—gardening, brisk walking and cleaning can also count as physical exercise.
See also: Time to Get Moving
If you enjoyed this article on preventing dementia click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about the mental and physical health advantages of owning a pet.
See Also: Dealing with Dementia Care
