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LEAVE A COMMENTDementia is a major concern for 1 in 4 people aged over 55 who already have a close relative with the condition. Many people are of the notion that dementia is inevitable as we age- it is not and there is a lot you can do to reduce your chances of developing it. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, and the thought of developing the disease can be a frightening prospect, even more if you’ve witnessed a loved one affected by dementia. You most probably have been told that the best way to deal with a situation where you’ve been diagnosed with the condition is by hoping for the best and waiting for a pharmaceutical cure, the truth is much more encouraging. You can lower your risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias through a combination of simple but effective lifestyle changes.
There are multiple risk factors for dementia that affect the likelihood of developing one or more kinds of dementia. Some of these factors are controllable, while others are not. Working on the factors that are in your control can go a long way towards reducing your risk of dementia, and helping you live healthier and more independently as you grow old. If you are worried about your chances of developing dementia, learn more about your own risk factors and take action where you can:
Age– Age is the strongest known risk factor for dementia. In no way does it mean that it is not possible to develop the condition earlier. At least 1 in 20 people with dementia developed it at age under 65 (young-onset dementia). That being said, the chances of developing the condition rise significantly as we get older. According to estimates, dementia affects one in 14 people over 65 and one in 6 over 80, which can be attributed to the fact that the genes you get from your parents play a part at this age, and so do other factors associated with aging, such as higher blood pressure, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, the weakening of the body’s natural repair systems, changes in the immune system, and changes to nerve cells, DNA and cell structure.
Genetics/Family History– Dementia doesn’t always run in families. According to researchers, there are a number of genes that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Although people with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease are generally considered to be at an increased risk of developing the disease themselves, many people who have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease never develop the disease, and many without a family history of the disease do get it. Consult with your doctor regarding genetic testing for Alzheimer’s. Weigh the pros and cons, as doctors don’t usually recommend these tests.
Smoking- It’s bad for your blood vessels, and increases your likelihood for a stroke, which can cause vascular dementia, which might lead to problems with thinking or remembering. Figure out ways to quit. Drinking alcohol in excess also appears to increase dementia risk.
Cholesterol– High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called “bad” form of cholesterol, especially in middle age, are linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which shoot up your risk of dementia, but it’s still not clear if cholesterol by itself adds to the problem, since some research has linked high cholesterol in midlife to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
Mild Cognitive Impairment– The chances of developing dementia is higher in people over age 65 who are diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, in comparison to the rest of the population.
Other risk factors include:
Regular exercise, healthy diet, social engagement, stress management, vascular health, quality sleep, mental stimulation- are the major pillars for a brain-healthy lifestyle that are within your control.
Our revolutionary memory care community- Anthem Senior Living and the newly-opened Senior Sanctuary in Phoenix, AZ- was built for quality Alzheimer’s assisted living,
specifically to address the unique needs of Alzheimer’s care, and other age-related dementia care.
