Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating dementia that never stops spreading and affects anyone susceptible, especially the elderly. It is characterized by memory loss, changes in mood and behavior, and decreased cognitive abilities. Unfortunately for those who suffer from it, it is incurable and can progress slowly or quickly, depending on the case.
Many factors favor this disease although its mechanism is still unclear. In any case, a study suggests that watching too much TV puts a person at significant risk of Alzheimer’s. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the diseases that affect the brain. Symptoms appear over time and progress suddenly to eventually interfere with daily activities. Memory loss is often the first symptom, followed by language problems, disorientation, and mood and behavior changes.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of all cases of neurodegenerative diseases. It usually affects people over the age of 65. Although early Alzheimer’s disease can manifest in people between the ages of 40 and 50.
Unfortunately, no cure is considered effective for Alzheimer’s disease. However, several treatments can be put in place to manage and limit its symptoms.
Watching television for long hours can lead to the risk of dementia! We explain to you!
According to a recent study, people who watch television for more than four hours a day are at an increased risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The study’s lead author, Dr Lennart Mucke, believes this is because television watching is a sedentary activity.
When we’re inactive, our brain doesn’t get the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Also, watching TV is often a solitary activity, which can lead to social isolation. Watching TV for a long time can cause some problems. Like a reduction in attention span and an increase in anxiety. It can also have a negative impact on brain health.
Finally, the content of many television programs can be repetitive and formulaic. This can make our brains less flexible and less able to adapt to new situations. Although more studies need to be done to confirm these results, it seems clear that excessive television consumption is not good for our mental health.
Are there other ways to minimize the damage?
We know how important television is to some of you. It is a means of entertainment that allows you to be distracted and occupied for a few hours. But here are some tips you can adopt to watch TV without impacting your brain health.
For example, taking regular breaks to move or get some fresh air can help keep your mind sharp. Additionally, choosing educational or thought-provoking programs can help engage your brain more actively. Finally, limit screen time by setting specific TV viewing times and sticking to them. With these tips, you can enjoy your favorite shows without harming your brain health.
What other habits can contribute to the development of dementia?
Although there is no sure way to prevent dementia, certain habits have been linked to an increased risk of this disease. For example, smoking has been shown to damage brain cells and reduce blood flow to the brain. This can cause a decline in cognitive functions and an increased risk of dementia. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can also damage brain cells and lead to memory and thinking problems.
In addition, a sedentary lifestyle might also be a primary cause of dementia risk, as it can lead to plaque buildup in the brain. Finally, a poor diet also has fatal repercussions on cognitive decline. These are just a few of the habits that can increase the risk of dementia. Therefore, it is worth making some lifestyle changes to maintain your health.