Stopping Dementia in its Tracks
March 15, 2022Dementia currently affects 47 million people around the globe. By 2050, this rate is supposed to increase to a whopping 131 million people worldwide! With so many people affected by cognitive decline caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s, it would be prudent to learn more about how to prevent it.
The onset of dementia can happen due to a number of factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits, and even hearing loss. Smoking and drinking appear to contribute to dementia. Lack of education is also another factor that is linked with dementia. Hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and leading a sedentary life can all contribute to dementia. Social isolation and lack of treatment for clinical depression is also a risk factor that can result in dementia. Most significant of all, however, is mid-life hearing damage, which accounts for 9% of those with dementia. Untreated mid-life hearing loss was the highest listed risk factor amongst all the other factors that contribute to dementia.
There are steps that you can take to help keep your brain healthy and active to prevent dementia with age. Just like the body stays fit with physical exercise, you can keep your mind fit by engaging in mental exercise.
You can do this by educating yourself and challenging your brain constantly. This does not mean necessarily investing thousands of dollars to get an Ivy League degree! You can learn something new each day, be it a new skill or hobby. You can read books and do crossword puzzles. You can even learn a lot by watching informative videos and quiz shows.
Hearing loss appeared to be the biggest contributing factor to dementia. By seeking timely treatment for mid-life hearing loss and obtaining hearing aids, you can prevent this risk factor. Get your hearing examined by a hearing care professional on a yearly basis to detect early signs of hearing loss. This way you will be able to identify and adequately treat hearing loss before it begins to deteriorate your cognitive skills.
Your mind and body are inextricably connected. One influences the other, so make sure you keep them both fit and active. Schedule at least half an hour of physical activity each day. It can be any form of exercise; from a simple walk to a trip to the gym, or even a yoga routine. Your physical exercise will also help you get the oxygen your ears need to help prevent hearing loss, so that is an added benefit!
Hearing loss, just like dementia, can only be prevented but not cured. So make sure you take steps to lead a healthy life to keep them both at bay. Eat nutritious meals, exercise daily, stimulate your brain with engaging activities, and address health issues in a timely manner.
We only have one life to live. It would be a shame if the memories of this life only became a distant, foggy dream that we could no longer recall. Take care of your physical and mental needs today so that you can continue to enjoy an active, exciting life for the rest of your days.