Dementia is a mental illness that causes a noticeable deterioration in the mind’s ability to carry out its daily activities, and the absence of attention to its treatment causes danger to the patient. In 2020, a group of 28 dementia experts published an update on dementia prevention, intervention and care The Lancet 2020 study identified 12 risk factors that could be modified to prevent or delay up to 40% of cases.
hearing loss
Recent evidence suggests that if we have hearing loss from age 45 onwards, it could mean an increased risk of dementia later in life. We can’t hear what’s going on clearly and it may also be related to social contact, which is also protective.
How to reduce risks: Have your hearing checked regularly to identify hearing loss early Always protect your ears if you are in noisy environments If you have a hearing loss A hearing aid may be a preventative.
Obesity and inactivity
Being obese in middle age increases the risk of developing dementia later on which means having a BMI of 30 or more Similarly, not moving enough is bad for us.
How to reduce risks: Finding ways to control weight will pay off in the long run A Mediterranean-style diet may do just that, and it will reduce inflammation, which may also reduce the risk of dementia Getting our bodies moving regularly has many powerful benefits Try to do moderate to vigorous activity most days, aiming for 150 minutes per week (or more) in total.
Hypertension
High blood pressure in middle age is linked to an increased risk of dementia later on. This may be related to inflammation. Inflammation is thought to cause unwanted proteins to build up in the brain that in turn contribute to the development of dementia..
How to reduce risks: what is good for the heart is also good for the brain and exercise, a complete diet, and stress reduction will help here..
traumatic brain injury
It can be a little tricky, but trying to avoid TBI, especially in middle age, may reduce your risk of developing dementia..
How to reduce your risk: This means avoiding risky activities and sports such as boxing. If you have already had a brain injury, this does not mean that you will inevitably develop dementia but it may be helpful to pay special attention to other risk factors and do what you can to influence them..
