All You Need to Know About Dementia

Dementia is defined as the loss of cognitive functioning which are memory, thinking, and social abilities, to the point where it interferes with a person's daily activities. Some people with dementia lose control of their emotions, and their personalities may change. Dementia ranges in severity from mild to severe. When people are in their mildest stage it affects a person's functioning and when people are in their most severe level they need a person to rely entirely on others for basic daily activities such as feeding oneself.

Dementia affects millions of people and it becomes more common as people grow older (approximately one-third of all persons aged 85 and up may have some kind of dementia). Yet, it is not a natural part of aging. Many people live into their 90s and beyond without any symptoms of dementia.

Dementia is one of the most serious illnesses for older people around the world. While we often think of it as a natural part of growing older, the truth is more difficult. Did you know that smoking, diabetes, and hypertension can increase the risk of developing dementia? Let's discover this relationship and explore the factors that make our brains more vulnerable to dementia. 

8 Factors That Could Increase the Risk of Dementia

1. Age: The Biggest Risk Factor

Age is the most significant risk factor for dementia. While it is not a normal part of aging, the risk of developing dementia increases every five years after the age of 65. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that dementia affects 5-8% of adults over the age of 60 globally. 

2. Genetics and family history: 

A family history of dementia can increase the risk due to inherited genetic factors. Certain genes, including APOE-e4, have been connected with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease. While genetics do not cause dementia, they can make people more susceptible, particularly when mixed with other risk factors.  

3. Cardiovascular health: 

Cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and high levels of cholesterol can reduce blood flow to the brain, which leads to vascular dementia. These disorders can damage blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrition flow to brain cells, which are necessary for maintaining brain activity. 

4. Diabetes: 

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of dementia. Diabetes can also cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can be harmful to brain function. Managing blood sugar levels efficiently can help to reduce these dangers.

5. Lifestyle factors: 

Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and a poor diet, can all lead to the development of dementia. These factors are linked to heart disease, obesity, and other health problems that increase the risk. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help to keep the brain healthy and reduce the chance of dementia. 

6. Mental and cognitive health: 

Depression, social isolation, and low cognitive engagement all increase the risk of dementia. Mental health diseases can reduce brain stimulation and increase stress, both of which can negatively impact cognitive function. Social and mentally stimulating activities can help to keep the brain healthy. 

7. Head injuries: 

Traumatic brain injuries, particularly repeated ones, can raise the risk of developing dementia. These injuries can cause direct damage to brain tissue, leading to cognitive impairment. People with a history of concussions or major head trauma are more likely to be injured, highlighting the importance of head injury prevention.

8. Environmental and occupational exposure: 

Exposure to pollutants, poisons, and dangerous substances in the environment or workplace can raise the risk of dementia. These substances can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and brain cell damage. 

How to Reduce Your Dementia Risk

Understanding the factors that increase dementia risk is only half the battle, taking proactive steps to treat them is equally important. Here is what you can do. 

• Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Diets like the Mediterranean or DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) are high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, which can help lower blood pressure and improve brain function.

• Stay Active: Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. Physical activity improves blood flow to the brain while reducing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

• Quit Smoking: No matter how long you've been smoking, quitting can drastically reduce your risk of dementia.

• Monitor Chronic Conditions: If you have diabetes or hypertension, contact your doctor to properly treat them.

• Challenge Your Brain: Play puzzles, reading, or learn a new skill all can help to challenge your brain. Lifelong learning helps your brain to remain flexible and strong.

• Prioritize Mental Health: Seek help if you're stressed, anxious, or depressed. Social relationships and treatment can boost your mood and brain health. 
  

Dementia is a disease which we can not avoid. All we can help do is to protect our cognitive abilities by focusing on controllable risk factors including diabetes, hypertension, and smoking, as well as controlling other components like mental health and lifestyle. According to research, changing these risk factors can prevent up to 40% of dementia cases.

The sooner we begin to make healthy choices, the higher our chances of living a long and meaningful life. So, why not take a proactive approach to brain health now? Your future self will thank you.