2024-09-26 05:00:54
Despite being one of the most researched fields of science, dementia caused by cognitive decline still has no cure and treatments to delay symptoms are not available to the entire population. However, some lifestyle changes can help slow the rate of loss of function.
Some of the best-known activities for slowing cognitive decline are games that require memory and brain exercise. Chess, jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles are popular options, and now scientists in the United States have discovered the minimum frequency of practice needed to reap the cognitive benefits.
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According to researchers from the University of Southern Mississippi, Texas A&M University and Indiana University, people over 50 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were able to reduce the development of symptoms by playing, reading or writing at least three times a week. The 5,392 participants were followed for eight years, and the results were published in the scientific journal Journal of Cognitive Enhancement.
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Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and dementia are neurodegenerative diseases that mainly affect the elderly population. The conditions are progressive and, as time passes, the patient becomes more dependent on the care of others.
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It is common for symptoms to be confused with the natural aging process in the early stages. However, family members and people close to the patient should be aware of the signs.
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It is also important to seek help from doctors, because the earlier the diagnosis, the greater the chances of controlling the case and delaying the progression of the disease, as well as improving the quality of life of patients.
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Parkinson’s causes the death of neurons that produce dopamine and play an important role in the locomotor system. Men are the most affected.
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The patient’s family members should be alert to the first signs of slowness, muscle stiffness and frequent tremors, which are more characteristic of this condition.
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Alzheimer’s, in turn, affects the female population more. It causes the degeneration and death of neurons, which results in the progressive alteration of brain functions.
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The most common consequences are impairment of memory, behavior, thinking and learning ability.
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Dementia is progressive and the initial symptoms are well-known: memory loss and confusion are the most common. The condition affects up to 25% of people over 85 in Brazil.
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Speech problems and difficulty making decisions are also among the signs. However, there are other subtle signs that can alert to the development of some types of degenerative diseases.
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Vision problems: a study carried out in the United Kingdom by the UK Biobank shows that people with age-related macular degeneration are 25% more likely to have dementia
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Hearing loss: This may be linked to cellular changes in the brain. But vision and hearing loss can lead to social isolation in older adults, which has been known for years as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
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Mood swings: People with early dementia stop finding jokes funny or don’t understand situations they used to find funny and may have difficulty understanding sarcasm.
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Gum problems: Research shows that oral health is linked to mental health problems and may also be linked to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and alcoholism — all of which are also risk factors for dementia.
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Social isolation: This symptom can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. A lack of patience with friends and family and a preference for being alone can be signs of chemical problems in the brain or a lack of vitamins.
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Other signs that may indicate neurodegenerative diseases are: lack of interest in usual activities, difficulty in carrying out daily tasks, repeating conversations or tasks, disorientation in familiar places and difficulty in memorizing.
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The benefits were identified in memory, attention and cognitive processing speed. Volunteers who did more activities had better results than those who engaged little in the games, and this group did better than those who did nothing.
“These findings suggest that positive lifestyle interventions, a non-pharmacological treatment, have an important role in promoting cognitive function and preventing cognitive decline in aging or in older adults with MCI,” the researchers write.
With the population aging and cases of dementia on the rise, scientists hope the research findings will help develop therapies to halt cognitive decline in the elderly and those predisposed to the disease.
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