Dementia is a generic term that includes various conditions such as memory loss and other cognitive problems that significantly impede everyday life. This problem can occur in various forms, such as vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease or Alzheimer's disease.
The most common type of dementia that affects 60% to 80% of cases is Alzheimer's disease. The latter proliferates if its cause is still not treated. His most common symptoms include listlessness, depression, and difficulty remembering recent events, conversations, and names. But what must be kept in mind is that there are risk factors that can be controlled, such as:
- Injuries to the head
- Failure of thyroid activity
- Sedentarism
- An unbalanced diet
- Drugs that promote this condition, including benzodiazepines
- High cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes
- obesity
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- 9 methods to prevent dementia
Avoid smoking
Smoking causes great damage to the body, including the brain. According to a study conducted by the Finnish University of Kuopio in 2010, daily smokers are 45% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than non-smokers and ex-smokers. Therefore, it remains very advisable to abandon this bad habit.
Practice regular physical activity
To strengthen the vascular system, you must stimulate blood flow and cardiac activity. Therefore, you should exercise regularly, for at least half an hour a day, to prevent many chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin B12
This vitamin reduces the levels of a molecule known as homocysteine or HC, which damages the vascular system. When the level of this molecule is high, the risk of stroke increases, as well as that of heart disease and other vascular problems. As a result, increasing the daily intake of vitamin B12 can prevent cognitive decline related to age.
Vitamin D
Researchers at the University of Bordeaux have conducted two studies in which they have been able to establish a link between dementia and vitamin D deficiency. As a result, the use of vitamin D supplements would prevent the processes leading to Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer. But do not forget that the best source of this vitamin is the sun. Supplements will be especially useful in winter, when the exposure to the sun is much lower.
Harness your brain
A study done by the University of Concordia in Montreal found that the onset of dementia symptoms is delayed by 5 years for bilinguals compared to seniors speaking only one language. Researchers say that testing your own brain greatly benefits the brain. They have also been able to deduce that doing crosswords often delays the onset of the 2 ½ year memory decline.
Prevent head injuries
If you bike, try to wear a helmet, the same goes for water or winter sports. Always protect your head to prevent injury and brain damage.
Control your alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia, so you should ban it or at least control it to prevent various health problems, including dementia.
Give importance to some numbers
You should always have an idea of certain values such as your weight, your blood pressure and your cholesterol level. Cardiovascular and metabolic health are among the leading predictors of dementia, so you need to have a healthy body so that the mind is too.
Social interaction
You can avoid the detrimental effects of isolation by interacting regularly with others. Do not hesitate to go for a walk with a friend or discuss as often as possible with friends or relatives to avoid these complications.
