2024-01-07 21:31:05
It’s not new, dementia comes with age and is often associated with genetics, but your lifestyle habits might also play an important role.
“Dementia is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of two or more brain functions, such as judgment and memory loss. Symptoms of dementia include forgetfulness, limited social skills and thought disorders that interfere with daily functioning,” explained Dr. Blair Steel, psychologist at Carrara Treatment, Wellness & Spa, at HuffPost.
According to the latter, in addition to genetics, age and brain trauma, certain seemingly harmless behaviors can increase the risk of developing dementia as we age.
“If you or a loved one are showing signs of dementia, it is important to talk to a doctor and get an evaluation,” she said.
Here are six bad habits that can increase your chances of getting dementia:
Not moving enough
Physical activity has a positive effect on overall health and cognitive health is no exception, especially among people approaching their sixties.
“Being inactive has an effect on the brain,” Steel said, adding that, like other muscles, “if you don’t use it, you lose it.”
Not socializing enough
An active social life can play an important role in the development of cognitive diseases. Social interactions help stimulate the brain and reduce the risk of dementia.
“We spend a lot of hours on social media, but it probably doesn’t stimulate the brain’s experience of connection as much as socializing in person,” said the psychologist.
Not getting enough sleep
Lack of sleep also affects the risk of dementia, noted Dr. Blair Steel. Therefore, people who have disrupted sleep cycles at a younger age have a greater chance of developing cognitive illnesses.
The specialist therefore advises avoiding screens before going to bed.
Chronic stress
Stress and anxiety cause people’s cortisol levels to rise, which can cause memory problems. Thus, chronic stress can lead to dementia due to prolonged elevations in cortisol.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause brain damage and consequently dementia.
This type of dementia normally affects people who have been drinking excessively on a regular basis for several years.
A poor diet
Research has also shown that a healthy diet helps reduce the risk of cognitive illnesses. Thus, a balanced and healthy diet, even if not perfect, helps avoid diagnoses such as Alzheimer’s.
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