Contents
Dementia is not only about memory loss, it also affects how you speak, feel, and act. Its causes vary. The common denominator is changes in the brain and the consequences, including loss of independence. Worse, the number of people affected by dementia continues to grow. Currently, about 50 million people in the world suffer from it, in 30 years it will be over 152 million. No wonder that already a year ago, The Economist spoke of the “global state of emergency”. Why is dementia so progressive? What to do to avoid it?
- Dementia is a group of symptoms associated with progressive deterioration in brain function
- It is estimated that 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. In 30 years, this number will increase to over 152 million
- Scientists point to two factors: population growth and its aging. But this is not the end, Dr. Maria Carrillo lists others that we have influence on
- More important information can be found on the Onet homepage.
Dementia is not one disease
Dementia is most often associated with memory loss and old age. Meanwhile, it also affects the way we speak, how we think, how we feel, how we behave. Moreover, it is not a natural part of the aging process.
So what is dementia? It is not a single disease in particular, but rather a general term encompassing a wide range of specific conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80 percent of the total. cases of dementia. In simple terms, it can be said that dementia is a group of symptoms associated with the progressive deterioration of brain function.
Changes in the brain cause a decline in thinking skills (cognitive abilities), which disrupt everyday life, affect relationships with others, take away independence (many people with dementia require XNUMX-hour care well before death). What changes are we talking about?
What happens in the brain of a person with dementia?
As the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, fighting against this disease and other types of dementia, explains, changes in the brain disrupt the communication of brain cells with each other, which – as already mentioned – affects memory, thinking, behavior, feelings, mood, language (e.g. incorrect use of words, speech problems). Why? We all know that different areas of the brain are responsible for different functions (judgment and movement, etc.). When cells in a specific area of the brain are damaged, it cannot function properly.
As a result, people with dementia may lose interest in daily activities, relationships, and social gatherings. Their personality can change, and problems remembering events or understanding situations can give the impression that they are consciously ignoring problems or not telling the truth.
- A way to detect Alzheimer’s early. The key is the way we speak
Dementia is affecting more and more people. You know why
How common is dementia? How many people struggle with the above problems? It is estimated that 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia and the future looks rather dim. At the recent International Conference of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association held in Denver, experts presented the latest estimates. According to them, in 30 years the number of people with dementia will triple to over 152 million. The largest growth is forecast in eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East.
Where did these galloping statistics come from? Scientists point to two factors: population growth and its aging (their importance varied depending on the region of the world). But it doesn’t stop there. “In addition, obesity, diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle are becoming more common in younger people, all of which are risk factors for dementia,” notes Dr. Maria Carrillo, the scientific director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Society.
Referring to her statements, it is worth recalling the research of scientists from the University of California in San Francisco, which was published last year in “Neurology”. They showed that smoking by 65 percent increases the risk of faster deterioration of thinking and memory functions, high blood pressure – by 87%, diabetes – almost threefold. People with these risk factors were more likely to experience a faster cognitive decline than a group of peers who did not smoke, had high blood pressure, or had diabetes. It is encouraging to know that there are behaviors that can be implemented to prevent the greatest loss in thinking and memory with age, commented the co-author of the study, Prof. Kristine Yaffe.
How to reduce the risk of dementia? Check what you can do!
Activities mentioned by prof. Kristine Yaffe is not the only thing we can do to reduce the risk of dementia. And that’s good news. Because although there are factors beyond our control, such as progressive age or genes (although they do not cause dementia themselves, but rather in conjunction with environmental conditions, such as the aforementioned smoking), many risk elements can be modified. Research says that by doing this, you can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia by about a third.
For memory and concentration, it is worth using an infusion of ginseng root. Ginseng root now buy on Medonet Market.
So what should we do? Experts agree that what’s good for the heart also serves the brain. This means that the risk of dementia can be reduced by:
- follow a healthy, balanced diet – A diet high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, and low in fiber may increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes
- maintaining a healthy weight – being overweight or obese may increase blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes
- regular exercise – lack of regular physical activity may increase the risk of heart disease, overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes. It is recommended to spend about 2,5 hours a week on moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. – it can be brisk walking, cycling, dancing. It’s also important to sit less
- reducing alcohol consumption (according to nhs.uk to no more than 14 units per week for both men and women) – excessive drinking increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and some cancers, as well as damage to the nervous system
- quitting cigarettes – smoking causes, among others narrowing of the arteries, which can raise blood pressure, and there is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease
- mind gymnastics, also in old age – it involves activities such as reading, writing, playing cards, checkers, chess, solving puzzles. More on this in the article: How to “immunize” the brain against the effects of Alzheimer’s? There is a way, and a nice one.
You may be interested in:
- New cells have been discovered in the human brain. They are important in everyday life
- Migraine is not a common headache. What happens to a person during an attack?
- The seven worst foods for your brain
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.