Dementia Prevention
June 13, 2009
Dementia or diminished intellectual function and the cognitive skill, is something we would love to avoid. Unfortunately, dementia largely sets in with advancement in age. Incidence of dementia increases in both men and women after the age of 65.
Nearly 3 percent of individuals between 65 and 74 years of age suffer from dementia. About 25 to 35 percent of elderly people above 85 suffer from this debilitating mental condition.
Causes of Dementia
Although, the risk of dementia increases with age, but this mental condition is not considered as a normal aging process. Dementia might also occur in younger age groups due to several reasons. Genetic factors, such as presence of an autosomal dominant gene on chromosome 4, are found to be responsible for causing dementia.
Repeated head injuries, common among boxers, make them susceptible to dementia. Even a single severe head injury can trigger dementia. Dementia is also linked to hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, brain tumor, stroke, thyroid diseases, liver diseases, kidney problems and deficiency in folic acid, vitamin B12 and thiamine.
Dementia prevention
It is difficult to prevent dementia. However, we could endeavor to prevent the risk factors often associated with this problem. Remaining occupied in mental activities can help to arrest progress of dementia. To keep your brain active, you can follow a hobby, learn music, play games, learn languages and make reading a habit. Sometimes moderate consumption of alcohol can help prevent dementia.
However, over drinking can accelerate memory loss. Dementia is sometimes linked to occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Lifestyle changes, which reduce the risk of development of these diseases, could prevent dementia.
By preventing high blood pressure, diabetes and bad cholesterol in the blood, you can keep your body and mind healthy. You should restrict salt, sugar and fat consumption. To prevent dementia, stop smoking and any form of substance abuse. Regular moderate exercises will help to keep your mentally fit.
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