In today’s aging society, dementia is a prevalent concern that includes over fifty brain-related diseases. The most widely-known of these ailments is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects approximately 70% of individuals with dementia. Although no cure currently exists for any form of dementia, preventive measures can decrease the risk.
On World Alzheimer’s Day, taking control of one’s future and working towards lessening the chances of developing dementia should be emphasized. Dementia: Beyond Simple Memory Loss Understanding Mental capacity decline leading to a loss of control over life is what dementia encompasses, yet it’s commonly thought of as memory loss alone. With World Alzheimer’s Day being observed, it’s vital to understand the complexities of dementia and strategies for preventing it.
7 Risk factors
1. Genetics: Family history of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes can increase one’s likelihood of also developing these conditions.
2. Age: The older one gets, the higher the risk of developing age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis.
3. Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can all contribute to an increased risk of health problems.
4. Environmental Exposure: Exposure to toxins in the environment, such as air pollution and chemicals, can increase the risk of developing certain illnesses.
5. Occupation: Some jobs, particularly those involving heavy machinery, loud noise, or dangerous chemicals, can increase the risk of work-related illnesses.
6. Medical History: A person’s medical history, including previous diagnoses and surgeries, can affect their future risk of developing certain conditions.
7. Socioeconomic Status: Those who live in poverty or have limited access to healthcare may face an increased risk of health problems.
Alzheimer Netherlands Research Team Leader, Dinant Bekkenkamp, emphasizes seven pivotal elements that can affect the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s:
-Illicit use of substances and alcohol
-Lack of education
-Inactivity
-Smoking
-Depression and social isolation
-Poor cardiovascular health
-Brain injuries
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for one’s overall well-being. The brain’s health can also be impacted by it. Overweight individuals should be aware of this.
The risk of dementia is heightened by smoking, which impacts both the lungs and brain. Uncontrolled hypertension is a cause for concern as it damages the brain’s blood vessels, resulting in compromised oxygen supply. Reducing the risk of cognitive decline is crucial when it comes to diabetes management and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. The brain’s durability is heightened when blood flow to it is strengthened by physical exercise; without enough exercise, this resilience is compromised.
Protection against dementia can be achieved by creating a cognitive reserve through mental activities that challenge your brain. Insufficient mental stimulation is a big risk factor for developing the disease.
Delaying the onset of dementia can be achieved through maintaining social connections and staying mentally active. Insufficient Social Engagement can be detrimental to one’s cognitive health. While it’s true that age plays a significant role in dementia risk, Bekkenkamp stresses that the disease is gradual and develops over decades. A healthy lifestyle can slow down this process and, in some cases, delay its onset.
The Role of Genetics
One common misconception is the belief that genetics predominantly influence dementia risk. While genes do play a role, it’s smaller than many assume. If your parents develop dementia after the age of 65, your risk increases only slightly. However, if dementia occurs in your family before this age, it may indicate a hereditary variant, although such cases are rare.
On this World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s remember that while we cannot change our genetics, we can control our lifestyle choices, ultimately taking charge of our cognitive health and reducing the risk of dementia.
Ref Bron Telegraaf.nl
