Can behavior affect whether or not a person is at risk of developing dementia later in life? It may might. One scientist offers six ways to prevent developing dementia.
“Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, such as judgment and memory loss,” Blair Steel, a psychologist at Carrara Treatment, Wellness & Spa told The Huffington Post. “Symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness, limited social skills and impairment in thinking that interferes with daily functioning.”
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The Mayo Clinic explains that dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. In people who have dementia, the symptoms interfere with their daily lives. Dementia isn’t one specific disease. Several diseases can cause dementia.
Dementia generally involves memory loss. It’s often one of the early symptoms of the condition. But having memory loss alone doesn’t mean you have dementia. Memory loss can have different causes.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, but there are other causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms might be reversible.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia in people over the age of 65.
Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. These proteins form plaques and tangles that disrupt the communication between neurons and eventually lead to cell death.
The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unknown. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments include medications, lifestyle changes, and cognitive therapy.
So, what do we do to prevent dementia?
Well, Blair Steel lists six activities she says can help.
First, get physical and exercise. “Being inactive does a number on the brain,” explains Steel, describing the brain as a “If you don’t use it, you lose it” type of organ.
Be sociable with other people, and not just on social media. Interact with people in person.
“We spend a lot of hours on social media, however, this likely does not stimulate the brain’s experience of connection as much as socializing in person,” Steel explained.
Of course, getting enough sleep is important. We can never overestimate the importance in life of ensuring that the brain gets enough rest.
Stress can also be a factor in developing dementia so Steel recommends people do whatever they can to better deal with it.
Also, don’t drink too much. Alcohol can cause dementia.
And finally, eat healthy. Don’t eat junk.
