For many, minor memory loss, sometimes referred to as a senior moment, is a usual part of aging. However, more significant memory loss which affects your life can be an early sign of dementia. Older adults are at risk for dementia and both the prevalence and incidence of dementia grow with increasing age. Though 3% of older adults between 65 and 69 years of age have evidence of dementia, 35% of those 90 years of age and older have dementia.
Dementia is a progressive neurological condition which impacts memory, mostly short-term memory. As the illness progresses it affects other parts of cognitive function, such as comprehension, speech and judgment. It can also affect behavior and in it’s in its later phases can affect motor functions such as swallowing, balance and walking.
So much of what makes each of us unique as human beings have to do with our remarkable brains and normal cognitive function. Our capability to manage our finances, prepare meals, work, drive a car and go shopping. Our ability to speak, write, read and understand what others are saying.
It’s never too late to start thinking about protecting our brains. Research shows that taking steps to improve our health at any age can be especially important to reduce the risk of developing dementia in later life. There are many ways to prevent or delay memory loss says, Dr. Patrick P. Coll, medical director for Senior Health at UConn Health.
One of the biggest impacts of delaying memory loss is managing cardiovascular diseases and preventing cardiovascular health issues because there is a strong connection between heart health and brain health.
The brain is nourished by one of the body’s richest networks of blood vessels. With every beat, the heart pumps 20% to 25% of the blood to the head, where brain cells use at least 20% of the food and oxygen carried by the blood in order to function normally. As a result, many factors which damage the heart or blood vessels may also damage the brain and may increase the risk of developing dementia.
Being active helps to prevent many health conditions and it’s a key to keep your brain working properly. It helps you to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Both are well known risk factors for dementia. Daily it is very important to dedicated some time for exercise. Walking as little as one mile a day can make a difference. Much like physical activity, a heart healthy diet is an important way to reach and maintain cardiovascular health.
Regulating your blood pressure
Especially in midlife, high blood pressure or hypertension has shown to be related with a higher risk of cognitive decline. It is important to make sure that you check your blood pressure regularly and speak with your health care provider about making changes through lifestyle interventions.
Preventing and managing diabetes
Diabetes is a condition which causes your blood sugar level to become too high and is known to affect brain health. Prevention of diabetes is a key, but for those who have diabetes, managing the disease and to keep it under control will help to protect your brain and yourself against dementia. The main goal to control diabetes is to lessen the risk of complications and diabetes-related diseases. Some ways to manage diabetes include meditation, physical activity, healthy eating, blood sugar monitoring, stress management, blood pressure, cholesterol control, foot care, dental hygiene and smoking cessation.
Preventing head injuries
Preventing head injuries, mainly recurrent head injuries common in contact sports starts at a very young age to protect brain function. Protection of adults and children who are participating in contact sports from either a serious head injury or recurrent injuries which could put them at risk for cognitive function dysfunction including dementia when they’re older is important.
Smoking and alcohol use
Avoid smoking cigarettes, this could prevent dementia. As well as being connected to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and cancer, there’s indication that smoking increases the risk of dementia, mostly Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Hearing loss
There is a bidirectional connection between hearing impairment and dementia, it’s recognized that hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia and it’s also recognized that patients with dementia are at increased risk for hearing-related issues.
For dementia, hearing loss is a risk factor, so it is very important to protect yourself against hearing loss and protect your ears from excessive levels of sound and noise.
If you have a hearing loss, optimizing your hearing through an audiology evaluation and potentially hearing aids which can decrease the risk of dementia.
Dr Coll says that, he would encourage everyone to have a conversation with their primary care provider about general wellness and what they can do to prevent or lessen the risk of dementia.
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