The various forms of dementia currently impact more than 55 million people worldwide. It is the seventh leading cause of death globally, affecting more women than men, in part because they are also more likely to be caregivers for others.
Dementia affects thought processes, memory, and the ability to perform daily activities. While it is more common to receive a diagnosis after age sixty-five, younger adults may also be diagnosed with some form of dementia.
Some of the early warning signs of dementia include:
- Misplacing or losing items
- Forgetting recent events, appointments, or other things
- Confusion
- Trouble performing simple or everyday tasks
- Getting lost while driving or walking
- Misjudging distances
- Inability to follow a conversation
- Trouble finding the right words
- Problem-solving difficulties
- Losing track of time
- Anxiety or anger over forgetting things
- Withdrawal
- Loss of interest in activities or others
- Personality changes
- Inappropriate behavior
Types of Dementias
While the most common of all dementia types is Alzheimer’s disease, it is by no means the only form people might experience. Some individuals may experience multiple types of dementia, referred to as mixed dementia, affecting as many as one in ten people diagnosed with dementia. It is more common in adults over age seventy-five. Young-onset dementia occurs when diagnosed before age sixty-five and is often harder to diagnose, and may require more testing to rule out other health issues.
There are many forms of dementia, but the most common dementia types are listed below:
- Alzheimer’s disease
As the most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease damages the brain. It most commonly affects reasoning, thought, memory, language, mood, and interpretation. A buildup of amyloid plaque and tau in the brain is often present.
- Lewy body dementia
Lewy body disease, a condition where tiny protein clumps occur in brain nerve cells, can lead to Lewy body dementia. Individuals share some of the various symptoms of Lewy body dementia with Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
- Frontotemporal dementia (FTD)
A less common form of dementia, FTD, is often marked by personality and behavior changes and language difficulties. FTD is due to damage in the frontal and temporal brain lobes. While the behavioral variant focuses on frontal lobe damage associated with personality and behavior, the primary progressive aphasia variant occurs due to temporal lobe damage that affects language.
- Vascular dementia
The second most common form of dementia is vascular dementia, which can affect people and brain areas differently. Decision-making, problem-solving, following steps, slowed thought, and concentration are the areas most affected in the early stages. Several types of vascular dementia result from blood supply problems to the brain.
How You Can Reduce Dementia Risks
Getting older brings a host of potential health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia. These issues all have something in common – lifestyle habits. While even the healthiest person can succumb to unforeseen medical conditions, the better care you take of your body, the healthier it will remain.
Here are the best ways to reduce your dementia risks:
- Physical activities and exercise
Sitting for more than 10 hours a day significantly increases the risk of dementia. Getting up every hour and walking around, doing chores, or exercising for a few minutes can help lower the risks. Aerobic and strength-training exercises increase the benefits and reduce the risks.
- Manage high blood pressure
Lowering high blood pressure levels helps reduce the risk of stroke, which can affect brain functions. Optimum heart health helps protect the brain.
- Quit bad habits
If you smoke – stop; it can improve brain health. Cut back on alcohol consumption to no more than one or two drinks per day (regular-sized drinks).
- Manage blood sugar
Diabetes increases dementia risks, so get your blood sugar levels under control.
- Healthy weight
Obesity is a leading contributor to dementia risks. Losing weight can have quite an impact. Hormonal imbalances are one of the reasons for being overweight. For example, HGH deficiency can lead to obesity, fatigue, and low energy levels. Find out about the benefits of getting HGH pens for sale.
- Good sleep patterns
Getting between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep helps promote hormonal balance, immunity, and optimum physical and cognitive health. The brain processes the day’s activities with the help of HGH while you sleep.
- Healthcare checkups
Yearly medical checkups are crucial to keeping the body healthy. It is also essential to seek treatment for depression and vision problems, as these can also impact brain health.
- Check and protect hearing
Midlife hearing loss can increase dementia risk by 90%. Protecting your ears from loud noises and wearing a hearing aid can lower that risk.
- Social activities
Adults who keep socially engaged with others are less likely to develop dementia than those who are socially isolated.
- Mental activities
Word and number puzzles, games, reading, and learning new hobbies help keep your brain engaged. Other good activities include playing an instrument, singing, arts and crafts, writing, and learning a new language.
- Eat healthy
What you eat can have a significant impact on your brain. Excess sugar, salt, and fatty foods are bad for the body and the brain. The best brain food options include fish, extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meat. Limit red meat to twice a week. If you do not like fish, take a fish oil supplement.
- Protect your head
Damage to the head increases the risk of dementia. Protecting yourself against falls and injuries is crucial. Keeping your bones and muscles strong helps support and protect the body from falls.
Conclusion
Taking steps to reduce the risk of developing dementia can help you lead a fulfilling life at any age. While it may seem daunting to make many changes at once, doing them gradually can also have an impact on your cognitive health.
People who are overweight and out of shape can begin by making simple diet changes and walking ten to fifteen minutes daily. Going from two packs of cigarettes to one pack daily is a start. Seeing a doctor for a physical exam and bloodwork is an excellent place to begin. Your physician can help you devise a plan that works for you.
If you have concerns about dementia, see a doctor at once. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin potential treatment.