Dementia doesn’t just happen. It starts burrowing its claws into us 20-30 years before we have symptoms. So, if we have the time to stop it from happening, or at least diminish the impact what would we zero in on in order to stave it off? Well, let me tell you one thing you won’t be as surprised as you might be right this moment just thinking about it. Most if not, all are in our control. Do you believe you could have control over dementia? There still is no cure however, there are things we can all do from childhood on to adulthood that can make the symptoms lessened if we do acquire this disease.
LOOK AT THESE RISK FACTORS:
- CHILDREN…….please have them wear helmets, seatbelts (get into car seat) and protect the head and brain if playing any contact sports. These activities can end up handing kids TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES and as they age the inflammation and injury to various parts of the brain due to repeated blows to the head resulting in concussions, can make the brain an easy target for further problems resulting in dementia signs.
- SMOKING……It is a carcinogen causing inflammation and decreased blood flow to the brain. The result is not only damage to the heart and lungs as well as the rest of the circulatory system but to the BRAIN itself.
- HYPERTENSION…… or high blood pressure places pressure on the vessels carrying blood to the major organs including the brain. Eventually those vessels become weakened decreasing the ability to feed the brain proper nutrients to remain healthy. Maintaining proper blood pressure via diet, medication and exercise is very important.
- ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION……Can increase the risk of dementia by damaging brain tissue, decreasing blood flow, causing inflammation, and impairing thinking and reasoning skills. Alcohol can cause a reduction in the white matter of the brain which is important for transmitting signals between different brain areas. It can also shrink certain regions associated with memory. A person’s thinking skills decline as a person ages with alcohol on board especially with intake on a daily basis. A person’s habits can increase risks to other organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys which are controlled by the brain.
- DEPRESSION….may mask itself as dementia especially when the person is older. It is crucial to obtain valid history and physical from a healthcare provider who is well versed in dementia care. Other tests that need to be done are thyroid, vitamin deficiency, and glucose for diabetes. Getting to understand any underlying issues will swell information to the top of the diagnostic toolbox. This will clear the road to a more accurate diagnosis of dementia.
MORE RISK FACTORS TO COME