Can Dementia Be Prevented? Understanding the Possibilities

Dementia is defined by memory loss, thinking and reasoning inability, and inability to perform everyday tasks without assistance. According to WHO, today over 55 million people worldwide struggle with dementia, and some estimation suggests it could reach to 153 million by 2050. 

So, naturally, the question that comes to our mind is can dementia be prevented? Let’s understand the possibilities of dementia prevention.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a term used for a set of brain diseases that damage brain functioning which leads to many brain-related complications. Among all dementia, Alzheimer’s is the most common disease accounting for almost 60-70% of total cases.

Some of the common symptoms found in a person with dementia include memory loss, difficulty in concentration, difficulty in carrying familiar tasks, struggling to find the right word, etc.

Risk Factors for Dementia

When it comes to risk factors for dementia, there are two types of it. One which you can modify or control to a great extent and the other where you have little to no say in it. But, having a presence or absence of these factors doesn’t necessarily mean that one can develop or be completely safe from dementia. Let’s have a closer look at some of these factors.

Age-Related Risks

Aging is the biggest risk for dementia. Though dementia is not a natural part of aging, because it takes longer for the disease to damage the brain, older individuals are more at risk than younger people.

Genetic Influences

There are two types of genes “familial” and “risk”. If familial genes are passed to the next generation it causes dementia. Risk genes on the other hand are more common and have an increased chance of a person developing dementia, however, unlike familal, they do not always cause dementia in person.

Impact of Race and Gender

Women are more prone to develop dementia than men. The primary reason for this gender difference is due to the women’s greater longevity.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors

How we maintain ourselves matters a lot, especially when it comes to dementia. Many studies have shown that adopting healthier behaviors such as a balanced diet, not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and regular exercise, can reduce the development of dementia.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Health

High Blood Pressure is a modifiable risk factor that develops during a person’s mid-life (40-65 age). This factor leads to heart disease which can greatly increase the person's chance of developing dementia. 

Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes Risk

Without any doubt, we know that diabetes leads to stroke and heart disease. But, one of the recent studies has shown that diabetes and glucose levels can also increase the risk of developing dementia.

Lack of Physical Activity

Our body is a machine that needs constant maintenance. Naturally, our body needs physical activity to keep it functioning. Numerous studies have been conducted on this topic and it has been found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of dementia by 28%.

Poor Diet

A Diet plays a large part in keeping you fit and processed food is one of the bad things that can lead to many health-related issues including dementia. Many studies have shown that having a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, etc slows down cognitive degeneration. 

Depression

Depression is quite common throughout our lives, and dementia happens in older age. Studies have indicated links between depression and dementia, especially early-life depression.

Hearing Loss

Yes, it is true, hearing loss in older adults can lead to dementia. Though not in every case, but studies have shown a connection between hearing loss and dementia. The research also suggests people using hearing aids may slow down the development of cognitive problems.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Considerable studies have indicated a connection between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and dementia. A person with a TBI history has a 24% more chance of developing dementia than a person without a TBI history.

Smoking

It is an open fact that smoking causes many diseases, such as cancer, lung disease, chronic bronchitis, etc. There is also strong evidence that suggests smoking increases a person’s risk of developing dementia.

Overweight

19 different long-term studies have shown that obesity in people aged between 35-65 increases the risk of dementia by 30%. Being overweight in mid-life also increases the risk of dementia in later stages of life.

Exploring Promising Interventions: Insights from Dementia Research

There is no denying that as we age, we are at risk of developing dementia. With no control over modifiable risk factors, we may increase this chance manyfold.

Currently, there is no effective treatment available for dementia, but numerous studies have shown promising results. These results suggest that future treatments may identify approaches designed for individual risk factors for better effectiveness. The research also suggests that by controlling modifiable risk factors may help in reducing dementia risk.

How to Prevent Dementia: 10+ Strategies for Lowering Risk

Indeed, no effective treatment is available for managing dementia and related conditions. However, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk. So, we have listed 10+ proactive steps that can help you prevent dementia.

Control High Blood Pressure

By controlling high blood pressure or hypertension, you can protect your heart, blood vessels, and brain, thus reducing the risk of developing dementia. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, regular exercise, reducing salt intake, quality sleep, medication, etc., can help you control high blood pressure.

Manage Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar levels can cause diabetes, one of the risk factors for dementia. You can manage high blood sugar levels by including a few good habits in your lifestyle, such as exercise, diet, and checking glucose levels.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

In one of the above sections, we discussed how being overweight and obese can lead to dementia. Indulging in physical activities, controlling your food habits, and keeping yourself stress-free can help you maintain a healthy body mass index.

Adopt a Balanced Diet

Eating less or eating more isn’t the trick, but adopting a balanced diet is. Base your meal high on fiber, and less on saturated fat and sugar. Add more vegetables, fruit, and fish to your diet. Reduce your salt intake and drink 2-3 liters of water each day.

Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Regular physical activity means doing exercise or movement regularly. It's important for staying healthy. You can do activities like walking, running, dancing, yoga, playing sports, or any physical activity you like. Doing regular exercise helps your body stay strong and fit.

Keep Your Mind Active

It is important to keep your mind active because the more active your brain is, the better your memory is likely to be. You can engage in activities like reading books, playing chess, or other board games to keep your mind active.

Stay Socially Connected

Socialization is an important aspect of human development. Keeping a strong connection with family and friends and engaging in social activities can help you beat loneliness and isolation. 

Address Hearing Issues

Recent studies have found that hearing problems can lead to dementia in older people and suggest that preventing hearing loss or using hearing aids can reduce or delay the impact of dementia.

Prioritize Mental and Physical Health

Our mental and physical well-being are closely linked and many a time we take mental health for granted which adversely impacts our physical health. So, always take time to enjoy things you like and seek professional help whenever it’s needed.

Ensure Quality Sleep

Our body needs rest which you can ensure by offering quality sleep to your body. When we sleep, our body gets replenished with the energy it needs to to perform daily tasks. So, getting at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep is important.

Prevent Head Injuries

According to an estimate from medical researchers, over 27 million people sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Evidence from many research also suggests that even a mild TBI can lead to Dementia. So, always protect your head from injuries, wear a helmet and seatbelt while riding and driving, and while playing sports like rugby or cricket.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Consumption of too much alcohol is injurious to health and can lead to many diseases like diabetes, hypertension, memory loss, stroke, etc., which are risk factors for dementia. So, consume alcohol at a moderate level.

Quit Tobacco Use

Chewing tobacco products or smoking are injurious and addictive and cause many health conditions like lung disease and heart attack. Even studies have shown its connection with decreasing cognitive functions. So, stopping tobacco consumption can improve your health.

Taking Charge of Dementia Prevention with Cadabams

Dementia is a serious mental condition that is set to hold its grip a lot tighter on the world population in the coming decades. But there is hope. There are many studies currently being carried out to find a cure for dementia and related conditions. 

By actively engaging in physical activities and adopting a healthier lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of developing dementia. 

At Cadabams, we promote this idea and offer individuals and families affected by dementia personalized treatment plans, therapeutic interventions, and holistic support services. So, join us in our mission to build a community where every individual with dementia and their family is supported and respected.

FAQs

1. What are the first signs of having dementia?

Early signs of dementia include memory loss, difficulty with tasks, communication challenges, confusion about time or place, impaired judgment, mood changes, and social withdrawal. Seeking a professional evaluation is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

2. What are the main risk factors for dementia?

The main risk factors for dementia include aging, family history, genetics, cardiovascular conditions, head injuries, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and lack of physical and mental activity. 

3. How can dementia be prevented?

Dementia risk can be reduced through lifestyle measures such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, staying mentally and socially active, managing cardiovascular health, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and staying mentally stimulated. Regular check-ups and managing chronic conditions can also help prevent or delay onset.

4. Is dementia hereditary?

While genetics can play a role in some types of dementia, such as early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease, most cases are not directly hereditary. However, having a family history of dementia may increase one's risk. Lifestyle factors and other environmental influences also contribute to the development of dementia.

5. Can lifestyle changes really reduce the risk of dementia?

Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. Regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and staying mentally stimulated have all been shown to lower the risk of developing dementia.