Dementia — it’s an old people’s disease, right?
Indeed, the memory loss and decline in language and problem-solving skills often caused by Alzheimer's disease commonly affects people over the age of 65 and often robs them of their ability to lead a normal life.
Additionally, race, ethnicity, and family history are considered major risk factors, and while genetics cannot be controlled, there are some things you can control, such as lifestyle.
One expert says, “You're never too young to curb behaviors that may put you at risk as you get older.”
“Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions, including loss of judgment and memory loss,” says psychologist Blair Steele of Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa. He told HuffPost US..
“Symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness, limited social skills, and impaired thinking that interferes with daily life.”
One of the main ways to fight back? Exercise. Especially aerobic exercise, Steele said.
“Being inactive has a huge impact on the brain,” she pointed out. “If you don't use it, you'll lose out.”
Especially people who are approaching the age of 60 should give up their sedentary lifestyle. Moving your body regularly and staying moving can help reduce your risk.
Another killer is isolation.
“We spend a lot of time on social media, which probably doesn't stimulate the brain's connection experience as much as face-to-face interaction,” Steele explained.
Lack of face-to-face contact can lead to problems such as stress and increased blood pressure.
Poor sleep habits can also be a big trigger. Whatever obstacles stand in the way of getting a regular night's rest, do everything you can to remove them, even if you think you may be too young to worry about them. please.
“Avoid screens and lights after a certain time, and avoid reaching for your phone if your sleep is disrupted,” Steele suggested.
Then there's stress, which the Alzheimer's Association lists as a major trigger for dementia thanks to the constant release of cortisol, which can wreak havoc on memory over time.
Physical exercise, hobbies and activities you enjoy, spending time with family and friends, and even enjoying your favorite TV shows are all ways to combat stress.
“Be flexible and avoid the 'my way or the highway' mentality that older adults often have,” Steele says.
Drinkers should also consider cutting back on their alcohol consumption. The Alzheimer's Association has linked alcohol use to a type of dementia caused by years of regular drinking.
While not necessarily debilitating, it can make everyday tasks like cooking and paying bills difficult.
And in the end, you are what you eat. Processed foods, so popular in the American diet, are thought to be a trigger for dementia in adults.
Expert advice is to improve your brain health, be environmentally friendly, and have a healthy, natural mindset while limiting your intake of red meat, dairy products, fried foods, etc.
For example, the Mediterranean diet favored by celebrities has been found to reduce the risk of dementia by nearly a quarter.
