Dementia Risk and Prevention

Findings from a 40 year research study found that dementia is decreasing.  The average age of occurrence, if ever, has risen from 80 t0 85.   As you get older, your chances of developing dementia increase.  Age and inheritance are two of the strongest known risk factors.  Cardiovascular risk is also associated with increased risk as are diabetes, tobacco use, and many other factors.

Of the 40 million plus people in the United States over 65 years of age (about 560 million worldwide), about 5.2 million have some type of dementia.  In the United States this is expected to double or more by 2050.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.  Other types include: vascular, Lewy body, Huntington’s disease, dementia secondary to disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, HIV, multiple sclerosis) or trauma (usually repeatedly like sports head injury in football, boxing), nutritional deficiencies, medication induced, inherited forms, and many more. 

Signs and symptoms of dementia include memory problems, decreased cognitive ability, and decreased physical activity whereby activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, household chores, etc.) may require assistance. Personality changes like agitation, inattentiveness and irritability are common.  Dementia diagnosis begins with a thorough history (of patient and family) and physical examination including blood tests.  Brain scans (MRI, CT, PET) are important in helping make the diagnosis.  Neurologic evaluation by a certified neurologist is also indicated for suspected dementia.    
Treatment includes behavioral, occupational, and physical therapy as well as medication. In some cases such as medication induced dementia from vitamin deficiency or low thyroid levels after proper medication is given.  If a drug is the cause, it will resolve by stopping the medicine. Dementia drugs can lessen the symptoms of cognitive decline, in spite of the fact that disease will usually continue to progress. Regular exercise has been shown to do improve function, also.

Preventive measures include:

• Nutritious food especially those aimed at brain health
• Physical movement and exercise
• Restful sleep
• Daily routine to include self care, meals, etc. at same time
• Intellectual stimulation like reading, conversation, brain exercises, music
• Social activities especially with family, friends
• Avoidance of smoking, too much alcohol
• Good maintenance of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and any other diseases you may have
• Prayer and meditation

As dementia progresses, it can debilitate to the point of total disability and lack of all function to the point where care must be provided by others full time.  This is usually done in the comfort of their home, or in a fully supervised care facility.   Caregivers in the home setting may include family, friends, and hired health care providers that may be necessary.  Caregivers are very important in dementia care. They provide most of the care necessary to keep the patient functional. 

Keep your brain and body as healthy as possible in an effort to prevent dementia.  It may be decreasing, but as we live longer the likelihood increases.  Best health!