When we analyze the statistics about dementia, they are really shocking. Dementia is a complicated collection of symptoms, including memory loss and communication difficulties. We can see such conditions stemming from brain alterations. Several diseases and situations, including Alzheimer’s disease, can cause dementia.
But one thing is clear: traditionally, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are among the most difficult conditions to identify and prevent.
Risk Factors for Dementia
Extensive research has shown that dementia has several risk factors. These affect the chances of developing one or more kinds of dementia. Among them, some are easy to modify, while others are impossible to deal with in such a way. Let us find out some of the most prevalent risk factors for dementia, which is also known as Alzheimer’s:
1. Good Sleep
You all understand that lack of sleep is dangerous. It does not allow our organs, including the brain, sufficient time to rest and recuperate. Such situations lead to poor memory and lower energy, attention, and motivation.
The same is the case with people with poor sleep quality. These issues often come due to problems like insomnia or sleep apnea and have a higher risk of developing dementia. A study found that people who sleep for a shorter duration have a higher chance of developing dementia.
2. Education Level
Education level also plays a significant role in this condition. Patients holding a lower degree of education are at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease. They cannot bear the load on their minds. An old study suggests that the more time spent in education, the lower your risk of developing dementia.
Studies regarding the brains of individuals from various educational backgrounds revealed that those with a higher level of education had larger brains. As dementia causes you to lose one-third of your brain’s weight, a thicker brain may help you deal better.
3. Genetics or the Family Tree
Several genes have been identified that affect the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Many people who have family relatives with Alzheimer’s disease do not develop the condition, but many people without a family history of Alzheimer’s develop the disease.
We can easily understand that this disorder runs in family. As it hits people with certain mindsets and genes.
4. Aging
It is the leading risk factor for dementia. It indicates that as a person ages, their risk of having dementia significantly increases. Dementia affects approximately 2% of those aged 65 to 69. As an individual age, their risk typically doubles every five years. It indicates that around 33 out of every 100 adults over the age of 90 have dementia.
5. Cognitive Aptitude
Cognitive reserve is the ability of the mind to withstand sickness. It is evolved via stimulating the mind over a person’s lifetime. The more a person’s cognitive reserve, the longer it takes for mental ailments to have an effect on their capacity to do everyday tasks. This shows that people with an extra cognitive reserve can put off the onset of dementia signs and symptoms for an extended duration of time. People with less cognitive reserve have a greater lifetime chance of developing dementia.
6. Alcohol and Tobacco Use
Several recent studies have indicated that smoking substantially increases the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. People who smoke have a greater risk of atherosclerosis and other forms of vascular disease, which may be the underlying cause of the increased risk of dementia.
According to studies, excessive alcohol consumption appears to raise the risk of dementia. Other studies, however, suggest that moderate drinkers have a lower risk of dementia than either heavy drinkers or abstainers.
7. Diabetes
Diabetes has a link to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s. Because our bodies can’t handle insulin properly, diabetes changes the way brain cells talk to each other and how our memories work, both of which are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
We need insulin to regulate the metabolism of carbs, lipids, and proteins by facilitating the absorption of blood glucose into the liver, fat, and muscles. Alzheimer’s disease appears to impair the brain’s sensitivity to insulin.
8. Gender
Overall, more women than men are diagnosed with dementia. It is primarily due to the fact that women often live longer than men (see ‘Age’ above).
Both men and women have a comparable possibility of developing dementia. However, women over the age of 80 have a slightly higher risk of developing dementia than males of the same age.
9. Blood Pressure
People between the ages of 45 and 65 with high blood pressure (hypertension) are more likely to get dementia than those with normal blood pressure.
High blood pressure might make it more likely to get dementia, especially vascular dementia because it affects the heart, arteries, and blood flow.
10. Poor Diet
A diet high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt can make you more likely to get many diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and heart disease. A good diet leads you to have a healthy brain and helps you fight depression and stress in a more brave way.
Conclusion
Changes to your diet and lifestyle in your forties may affect your risk of dementia. Consult your best psychiatrist Doctor about measures to prevent plaque formation and artery contraction.
FAQs
1. What are the most prevalent causes of dementia?
These are typical causes of dementia:
- Dementia vasculare et al.
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease with Lewy bodies
- Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobed
- Major brain trauma
2. How rapidly may dementia develop?
In some situations, dementia can affect people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Dementia is more prevalent in those over 65, but it can also afflict those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. It is easy to handle it with treatment and an early diagnosis and stop dementia from getting worse and keep your mind working for longer.
3. Can we confuse anxiety and?
Anxiety symptoms can resemble those of dementia. They include restlessness, and sleep and concentration issues. For more information, check out our section on conditions that can be mistaken for dementia.