Dementia is not a specific disease but a general term used to describe a wide range of symptoms of memory loss. In most cases, it caused by damages of diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a condition caused by the degeneration of brain cells or what’s referred to as neuro-degeneration. It affects the health of the brain thus reducing its effectiveness. It’s imperative to mention that like most health condition, dementia takes time before it can manifest itself. However, you can easily notice the warning signs such as forgetting names of the people around you, keeping track of your wallet or key.
What Causes Dementia
Studies have shown that changes in lifestyle are the main cause of dementia. Your daily activities play a significant role in enhancing or deterring the development of this condition. But most people do not realize this until it’s too late. Do you know that some decades back that the neurodegeneration was only common to the very senior citizens? Well, that’s true. But what has changed that people in their fifties and below are being diagnosed with memory loss conditions? The only explanation is a change in lifestyle. Being less active are just some of the major reason why dementia is on the rise.
How To Test For Dementia
Luckily you can easily assess dementia risk or overall brain health without undergoing complicated or expensive medical tests. One simple test that has been found to work extremely well is standing on one leg with your eyes open for more than 20 seconds. The inability to pass the test could be linked to microscopic brain damage that cannot be seen on CT scan or MRI. However, the failure to stand on one leg does not mean that you’re going to have dementia, but it’s a very useful screening tool. Don’t ignore it.
5 Tips That Can Help Deter Dementia
We’re all candidates for dementia. But there are measures we can take to maintain a healthy brain to deter neurodegeneration. They are measures that can help avoid the expensive medication required to maintain the condition. Here are 5 tips that can help deter dementia.
Don’t Smoke
Most people are not aware that smoking is linked to the shrinking of the brain especially in sections critical to thinking. Studies have also linked it to a 35% increase in stroke risk while the nicotine in cigarettes increases the number of nicotinic receptors in the brain. Therefore, smoking cigarette can be a trigger to neurodegeneration of brain cells. So if you are a smoker, consider stopping it.
Exercises – Be Active
Physical exercises is one of the methods that can help slow down or stop the cognitive decline. The more you move, the better your brain health is. But not every exercise can help you enhance your brain health. Two key exercise programs can enhance cognitive power. First, try the 30-minute brisk walk each day. It gets the heart rate up, and this gets that entire body moving. The second exercise program is the Tai Chi which is about making slow movements in a certain pattern. Try these two for overall brain health.
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Although a lot has been said about alcohol and a number of disease like cirrhosis, little is mentioned about its damage to brain health. Alcohol can be a dementia trigger. Avoid excessive alcohol drinking and if possible, stick to 1-2 bears per month. You must also cut the amount of wine that you take every day. But this does not mean that you quit drinking though it would be the ideal option. Make sure that you are taking as little as you can to eliminate potential harmful side effects.
Keep Your Brain Busy
Keeping your mind busy is another trick to maintain overall brain health. Spend time playing crossword puzzles, brain training or coloring. But there are more effective ways to keep your mind busy and sharp. Think of hobbies or interests that can be done in a group because socializing is one of the most effective ways to keep your brain healthy. Learn how to play instruments, discussing in groups or any other activity that keep you thinking and busy in mind.
Get Enough Sleep
This is one mistake most people make. Sleeping late and waking up early is not good for your brain health. It’s advisable that you sleep for about 8 hours at night. Your brain cells need to replenish and the only time that this is possible is while asleep. This is the time for the brain to form new cells. If you feel chronically tired, fall to sleep very fast, or unable to concentrate; then, these are signs of lack of adequate sleep.
Can You Treat Dementia?
Like most of the neurodegenerative conditions, dementia is incurable. However, you can manage the condition by medication and change of lifestyle.
To get the best results, you need to have a certified physician by your side. We can help you manage this condition and get your life back. We are specialists in dealing with lifestyle health conditions.