2023-08-02 15:18:36
Dementia is a progressive disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to carry out everyday activities. According to Alzheimer Research eV, around 50 million people worldwide are affected by dementia and this number is expected to increase to 82 million in 2030 and 152 million in 2050.
Given these numbers, it is not surprising that many people are wondering if dementia is preventable and what can be done at a young age to prevent the condition. In this article we have listed various measures for you that you can take to minimize the risk of dementia.
By the way: In Germany is currently raging the summer flu 2023.
Dementia: what is it actually?
According to the German Alzheimer’s Association website, dementia is a general term that describes a decline in mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily living. It is not a specific disease, but a set of symptoms related to memory loss or other cognitive impairments. The Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. However, there are other conditions that can cause dementia symptoms. Some of them are even reversible. For Incidentally, several new drugs have recently been developed for Alzheimer’s disease.
Risk Factors for Dementia – Are You at Risk?
There are a number of risk factors for dementia, some of which can be influenced while others cannot. According to the club Alzheimer Research eV risk factors include:
Non-modifiable risk factors:
Modifiable Risk Factors:
Smoking Alcohol consumption Physical inactivity Unhealthy diet Diabetes High blood pressure Obesity
The association points out that the presence of one or more of these factors does not mean that one will definitely develop dementia, only that the risk is increased.
Prevent dementia: what you can do
While age and genetics are two factors in the development of dementia that cannot be directly influenced, there are still many aspects that people can control to reduce their risk of developing dementia. Because it’s never too early to start preventing dementia, there are some areas that can be addressed from an early age:
Healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a balanced diet. A balanced diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Try to limit saturated fats, sugar and salt and instead consume healthy fats from sources like olive oil and fish. Regular physical activity includes at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week.
Mental fitness: Keep your brain active and engaged. According to the Public Health Portal Austria and the pharmacy magazine by learning a new language, playing an instrument, reading, writing, solving puzzles or playing strategy games.
Sleep: Ensure adequate and quality sleep. Because sleep plays an important role in clearing the brain of toxins and can help reduce the risk of dementia, the association writes.
Social Interaction: The Baden-Württemberg Alzheimer Society recommends getting involved socially to prevent dementia. This can be accomplished through visiting friends and family, participating in social groups or clubs, volunteering in the community, or participating in cultural activities.
So there are things you can do yourself to minimize your personal risk of developing dementia. However, age and genetics are factors that you cannot influence yourself to completely rule out dementia.
By the way: The diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are becoming increasingly popular for weight loss. But both Medicines are only covered by health insurance under certain conditions.
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