Age
Alzheimer’s disease is the most
common form of dementia. About a third of people 85 and older show signs of the
disease. The genes you get from your parents play a part at this age, but so do
things like diet, exercise, your social life, and other illnesses. Dementia
isn't a normal part of getting older.
Heart
Disease
It could lead to a heart attack or
stroke, which makes dementia more likely. Heart disease is usually caused by
plaque buildup in arteries around your heart (atherosclerosis). That can slow
blood flow to your brain and put you at risk for stroke, making it harder to
think well or remember things. And many things that cause heart disease --
tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol -- also can
lead to dementia.
Diabetes
Doctors aren’t sure exactly why
people with diabetes get dementia more often. But they do know that people with
diabetes are more likely to have damaged blood vessels. This can slow or block
blood flow to the brain, and damage areas of the brain, leading to what’s
called vascular dementia. Some people may be able to slow brain decline if they
keep diabetes under control with medicine, exercise, and a healthy diet.
High
Cholesterol
High levels, especially in middle
age, are linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. All of these
boost your risk of dementia, but it’s not yet clear if cholesterol by
itself adds to the problem. Some research shows that high cholesterol in
midlife could be a risk for Alzheimer’s disease later in life, but the exact
link isn’t clear.
High
Blood Pressure
Even if you had no other health
problems, having high blood pressure makes you more likely to get vascular
dementia and Alzheimer’s. That's probably because high blood pressure harms the
blood vessels in your brain. It also can lead to other conditions that cause
dementia, like stroke. Managing your blood pressure with diet and exercise --
and medication, if needed -- may slow or prevent this from happening.
Depression
If you've ever had this common
condition, you may be more likely to get dementia. Scientists aren’t yet sure
that it’s a cause. It may simply be an early symptom or a sign of other causes
like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Talk to your doctor or a therapist
if you feel down for more than 2 weeks, and right away if you think of harming
yourself. Therapy and medication can help treat depression.
Head
Injury
One mild traumatic brain injury may
not make you more likely to get dementia later in life. But more severe or
repeated hits or falls could double or quadruple your chances, even years after
the first time. Get to the hospital if you’ve hit your head and you pass out or
have blurry vision, or feel dizzy, confused, nauseated, or become
over-sensitive to light.
Obesity
Having a lot of extra weight in
middle age could put you at risk. It also drives up your odds of
getting heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to dementia. You
can check your BMI (body mass index) online to see if it’s in the “obese”
range. Your doctor can help you set a weight loss goal that’s right for you. A
healthy diet and regular exercise could help you turn things around.
Genes
They seem to matter more in some
types of dementia than others. But dementia doesn't always run in families.
And even risky genes don’t mean you’ll get it. If you're thinking about
genetic testing for Alzheimer's, ask your doctor about the pros and
cons -- and about genetic counseling. Doctors don't routinely recommend those
tests.
Stroke
The most common kind blocks the
flow of blood to areas of the brain. Afterward, damaged blood vessels can make
it hard to think, speak, remember, or pay attention (vascular dementia). Things
that make a stroke more likely -- like high blood pressure, heart disease, and
smoking -- also raise your risk of this type of dementia. Think “FAST” for
stroke symptoms: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech
problems? Time to call 911.
Poor
Sleep
Many people have a bad night of
sleep now and then. But if it happens often -- you wake up a lot or don’t sleep
enough -- you could be more likely to get dementia, including Alzheimer’s
disease. Set and stick to a smart sleep routine: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and
electronics in evening, and set up a soothing bedtime ritual with regular
bedtime hours.
Smoking
It's bad for your blood vessels,
and it makes you more likely to have a stroke, which can cause vascular
dementia. That might lead to problems with thinking or remembering.
Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you smoke and want
support to quit.
Dementia
With Lewy Bodies
In this and other forms of dementia,
proteins called Lewy bodies build up and damage brain cells. Dementia
with Lewy bodies can lead to problems with memory and movement. Someone with
this condition might act out dreams or see things that aren’t there (hallucinations). Although
there’s no cure, your doctor can help treat symptoms.
What
Helps: Diet
Talk about a win-win. The
traditional Mediterranean-style diet that’s so good for your heart is also good
for your brain. It features whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, olive
oil and other healthy fats like avocado (in moderation), and keeps red meat to
a minimum.
What
Helps: Exercise
People who are physically active are
more likely to stay mentally sharp and less likely to get Alzheimer’s and other
types of dementia. If you already have early stages of these conditions,
being active may help you think more clearly and remember things. You don’t
have to go to extremes. Just get out for some brisk walking, dancing,
gardening, or something similar. Build up to 30 minutes or more on most days of
the week.
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