Age
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. About a third of people 85 and over show signs of the disease. The genes you receive from your parents play a role at this age, but so do diet, exercise, your social life, and other illnesses. Dementia is not a normal part of aging.
Heart disease
This might lead to a heart attack or stroke, which makes dementia more likely. Heart disease is usually caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries around the heart.œur (atherosclerosis). This can slow blood flow to your brain and put you at risk for stroke, making it harder to think well or remember things. And many of the things that cause heart disease – smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol – can also lead to dementia.
Diabetes
Doctors are not sure why people with diabetes have dementia more often. But they do know that people with diabetes are more likely to have damaged blood vessels. This can slow or block blood flow to the brain and damage areas of the brain, leading to what is called vascular dementia. Some people can slow brain decline if they control diabetes with medication, exercise, and a healthy diet.
High cholesterol
High rates, especially in middle age, are linked to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. All of these increase your risk for dementia, but it is not yet clear whether cholesterol, by itself, makes the problem worse. Some research shows that high cholesterol, in your 40s, might be a risk for Alzheimer’s disease later in life, but the exact link is not clear.
Arterial hypertension
Even if you had no other health problems, high blood pressure makes you more likely to develop vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This is probably because high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in your brain. It can also lead to other conditions that cause dementia, such as stroke. Managing your blood pressure with diet and exercise – and medication, if needed – can slow or prevent this from happening.
Depression
If you have had this common disease in the past, you are more likely to have dementia. Scientists are not yet sure this is a cause. It may just be an early symptom or a sign of other causes like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. Talk to your doctor or therapist if you feel depressed for more than 2 weeks, and right away if you think you are harming yourself. Therapy and medication can help treat depression.
Head injury
A mild traumatic brain injury may not make you more likely to develop dementia later in life. But more severe or repeated hits or falls might double or quadruple your chances, even years following the first time. Go to the hospital if you hit your head and pass out or have blurred vision, or if you feel dizzy, confused, nauseous, or become hypersensitive to light.
Obesity
Gaining a lot of extra weight in middle age might put you at risk. It also increases your chances of getting heart disease and diabetes which are linked to dementia. You can check your BMI (Body Mass Index) online to see if it is in the “obese” range. Your doctor can help you set a weight loss goal that’s right for you. Healthy eating and regular physical activity might help make a difference.
Genoa
They appear to be more prominent in some types of dementia than in others. But dementia does not always exist in families. And, even risky genes don’t mean you’ll get it. If you are considering genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease, ask your doctor regarding the pros and cons, as well as genetic counseling. Doctors do not routinely recommend these tests.
Stroke
The most common type blocks blood flow to areas of the brain. Afterwards, damaged blood vessels can make it difficult to think, speak, remember or pay attention (vascular dementia). Factors that make a stroke more likely, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and smoking, also increase the risk of this type of dementia. Think “FAST” in case you suspect the symptoms of a stroke. FAST is the acronym:
F : for face, if you think your face looks unusual;
A : for arm, which refers to the arm in French, if they are drooping or weak;
S : for speech, if you detect a language difficulty;
T ; for Time, then, it’s time to call 911.
Bad sleep
A lot of people get a bad night’s sleep from time to time. But if it happens often – you wake up a lot or don’t get enough sleep – you might be more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Establish and stick to a smart sleep routine: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and electronics at night, and implement a soothing bedtime ritual with regular bedtime.
Smoking
It’s bad for your blood vessels, and it makes you more likely to have a stroke, which can cause vascular dementia. This might cause thinking or memory problems. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you smoke and want help to quit.
Lewy body dementia
In this and other forms of dementia, proteins called Lewy bodies build up and damage brain cells. Lewy body dementia can cause problems with memory and movement. A person with this condition may have dreams or see things that are not there (hallucinations). Although there is no cure, your doctor can help treat the symptoms.
What helps: diet
Talk regarding a win-win. The traditional Mediterranean style diet that is so good for your heartœur is also good for your brain. It contains whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive oil, and other healthy fats like avocado (in moderation) and keeps red meat to a minimum.
What helps: exercise
People who are physically active are more likely to stay mentally awake and less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. If you already have the early stages of these conditions, being active can help you think more clearly and remember things. You don’t have to go to extremes. Get outside for a brisk walk, dance, garden, or something similar. Build them up to 30 minutes or more, most days of the week.
Dr. Isoux Jr. Jérôme, Psy. D
