Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people globally, impairing memory, thinking and reasoning. Although it is natural for cognitive abilities to decline with age, dementia indicates a more profound and irreversible loss of these functions.
Dementia Certification:
To understand how we can prevent or manage this condition, it is important to find out the major risk factors involved. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Neha Sinha, dementia expert, CEO and co-founder of Epoch Elder Care, shared, “First of all, let’s talk about how genetic predisposition also plays a role. If there is a family history of neurodegenerative disorders, the chances of developing it increase. While aging is inevitable, age is one of the most significant risk factors for dementia, especially for those over the age of 60.
According to him, lifestyle choices are something we can control. He suggested,
“Habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can dramatically increase the risk of dementia. Heart health also plays an important role. Conditions such as atherosclerosis and high blood pressure are other known risk factors. Additionally, isolation, poor social connections and a sedentary lifestyle further increase the likelihood of dementia.”
Neha Sinha cautioned, “Poor nutrition and a diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients deprive the brain of essential vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats it needs to function at its best. Diabetes and high cholesterol have also been linked to an increased risk of dementia. Recognizing these factors enables individuals and health care systems to collaborate to reduce the impact of dementia and support healthy aging for all.
From genes to habits:
Dr. Kersi Chavda, consultant in psychiatry at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, brings her expertise to the table, “About 5% to 8% of all people above the age of 65 years have some form of dementia , and this number doubles. Every five years above that age. It is estimated that more than half of people aged 85 and older have dementia.”
“The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s, affecting approximately 60-70% of people with dementia worldwide. Early signs include forgetting recent events or conversations. “associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and Parkinson’s disorder,” said Dr. Chavda.
Dementia can affect people differently, depending on which part of the brain is damaged. Dr. Chavda highlights, “Treatment includes medication, therapy, diet and exercise. There are also support groups for people with dementia and their caregivers. People who have a family history of dementia are more likely to develop it as they age. Certainly, genes, particularly the APOE allele, are linked. Brain injury: If you have had a severe brain injury, you have a higher risk of dementia. Poor circulation to the brain causes a problem; Therefore, there is a need to avoid smoking, keep blood pressure under control and keep cholesterol and diabetes under control.
Saying that diet plays a role, Dr. Kersi Chavda advised, “Avoid polyunsaturated fats and sugars. And maintain some exercise routine daily to control obesity. Cognitive activity is essential, which also means that social isolation can be avoided. One should also try to control diseases like depression and sleep disorders. Excessive alcohol and smoking are also associated with an increase in dementia, possibly due to their effects on the vasculature in the brain. Ultimately, one cannot do anything about one’s genetic makeup, but one can try to modify one’s lifestyle choices.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
