Dementia is a broad concept that encompasses several problems such as memory loss and other cognitive difficulties that greatly hinder daily life.
It can occur in different ways, such as vascular dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. The most prevalent form that happens in between 60-80 percent of cases is Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is progressive if the cause of the condition can’t be treated. Its most common symptoms include apathy, depression, and difficulty in recalling recent events, conversations, and names.
Some of the risk factors which may trigger dementia could be:
- Head Injury
- Thyroid Disorders
- Limited Physical Activity
- Malnutrition
- Neurodegenerative medications
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Diabetes
- Alcoholism
- Smoking
What are the ways to reduce the risk of dementia?
The risk factors which might play important role in neurological disorders if not addressed at the beginning. There are varieties of ways that could have a positive impact in curbing neurodegenerations however it will only be successful if practiced at the beginning.
Some of the pathways to reduce the risk of dementia are discussed below:
Quit Smoking
Smoking does significant damage to the body, including the brain. According to reports, frequent smokers are at a 45 percent greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s relative to non-smokers and ex-smokers. Therefore, we firmly advise you to stop this unhealthy habit.
Prolonged smoking also affects vascular and metabolic health which is a precursor to dementia. Additionally, smoking is a major cause of lung cancer among the global population.
Physical Activity
The key to a healthy mind and body lies in the consumption of a healthy and nutritious diet and at the same time adequate physical activity to keep the body active. A healthy body is key to a healthy mind.
In our current lifestyle, the place of physical activity is at the bottom of our priority list. You should increase the flow of blood and the beating of the heart to improve the vascular system. Therefore, exercise frequently to avoid a variety of chronic health issues, at least half an hour a day.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B and its constituents are water-soluble and can be easily expelled from the body through excessive urination in case of renal disorders, diabetes, and excessive alcohol intake. Neither vitamin B deficiency nor its surplus is good for vascular health.
B vitamins minimize the levels of a molecule known as homocysteine or HC that damages the vascular system. High levels increase the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and other vascular problems. Increase the consumption of complex B vitamins to reduce age-related cognitive decline.
Vitamin D
Researchers have found a correlation between decreased vitamin D levels and cognitive impairment, contributing to symptoms of dementia. The use of vitamin D supplements thus avoids processes that lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Vitamin D is mainly responsible for bone and metabolic health, it controls the absorption of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals such as Na, K, Cl, Mg which act as neurotransmitters.
The sun is the best source of this vitamin, but supplements can also be used, particularly in the winter when sun exposure is reduced.
Challenge Your Brain
It is often stated that if we don’t use the brain it may get rusted and it is very true as observed in several research studies which claim that the active brain has a lower risk of dementia than the idle one as the case in old age people.
Researchers also found that the development of signs of dementia is postponed by 5 years by being bilingual relative to elderly people who speak only one language.
They say the brain gains a lot if you question it. Experts have also found that crossword puzzles often prolong the start of memory loss by 2.5 years.
Prevent Head Injuries
Though every part of the body is equally important however the role of the brain is incredible as it facilitates the functionality of other cells, tissues and organs. It controls every single activity with the help of neurotransmitters.
Driving, riding, sports, traveling and other activities which involve mechanics have potential to injure head and in turn brain in severe case. However proper awareness and safety gear will act as a protective cloak against any accidental injury.
If you’re riding a bike, you can wear a helmet or, in the case of water or winter sports, always protect your head to avoid head injury and brain damage.
Limited Alcohol Intake
The presence of alcohol in the body controls the alertness, decision making and processing capacity of the brain. The prolonged case of drinking often leads to impaired decision-making capacity and memory loss.
Excessive alcohol use poses a risk of dementia, so you can monitor it to avoid different health conditions, including dementia.
Excessive alcohol consumption leads to large volume discharge and hence results in the removal of water-soluble vitamins and essential minerals such as Na, K, Cl, and Mg. It acts as neurotransmitters and responsible for transferring signals between the brain and cells.
Track Your Numbers
You should keep track of your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. One of the key predictors of dementia is cardiovascular and metabolic health because you need to have a healthy body to have a healthy mind.
Social interaction
You can effectively prevent the negative effects of loneliness by communicating with others regularly. You should take a walk in nature with a friend, or at least speak to a few friends or family regularly to avoid serious health problems. Doctors still maintain that learning new things improves the well-being of the brain.
Summary
In general dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders occurs in old age however some of the factors that result due to our lifestyle might accentuate the risk of these disorders. It is very dangerous, but it kills the patients slowly and makes them live like hell. Some of the practices might have positive results in slowing down or prevention in the early stage but it’s not going to cure the severe case of disorders. “Stay Fit, Stay Healthy”.
