Dementia is a symptom that is characterized by a decrease in the ability of the brain to think, remember, and communicate due to the death of brain cells. Dementia is not yet known for sure what the cause is. However, there are some things that can increase your risk of experiencing dementia in old age. What is it? Here is the Risk factor for dementia.
Risk factor for dementia
Various risk factor for dementia, are:
- Age.
Although the exact cause is not yet known, dementia common in elderly people. Dementia has long been associated with declining cognitive function of the brain as a side effect of aging naturally. That’s why getting older the age you are, the greater your risk of experiencing dementia. An estimated 1 out of 14 elderly aged 65 years live with dementia, and in 1 out of 6 people aged 80 years and over. The aging not only causes wrinkles on the face and white hair on your head, but also weaken the immune system and the ability to repair damaged cells, including the nerve cells in the brain. Old age also causes the heart to pump fresh blood is no longer optimal. The brain does not get enough fresh blood for a long time can undergo shrinkage, which then affect the function. These factors are thought to affect a person’s risk of dementia at an early age.
- A disease that you are experiencing.
Dementia is not a disease, but a series of symptoms that could indicate the presence of disease. Many diseases that can cause the onset of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and circulatory disorders (stroke and atherosclerosis) which can be caused by high cholesterol. The buildup of cholesterol plaque can narrow the blood vessels so that interfere with blood flow to the brain. This can damage the ability of brain cells to function properly and eventually could lead to the death of brain cells.
Any diabetes turned out to have a contributed to increased risk of dementia, which often are not realized. Just like high cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes for prolonged periods can damage blood vessels, including the blood vessels leading to the brain, the nerves and the brain.
- Lack of physical activity.
If you have always been procrastinating in order to start an exercise, it’s good to immediately be rounded intention and wear Your sneakers. Yes! Unawares, other risk factors of dementia is the lack of physical activity every day. The reason, minimal time exercising can improve your risk against various chronic diseases that affect brain function. For example, heart disease, impaired blood circulation, overweight or obese, and diabetes, all of these things is the risk factors of dementia. In addition, older people who enter the twilight age and do not exercise regularly will be more likely to have problems with memory or thinking abilities. Therefore, begin a habit of physical activity at least 30 minutes every day or at least 3-5 days a week (total 150 minutes a week). No need to work out. You can start with a walk round the complex, cycling, or swimming.
- Unhealthy diet.
Your diet has been indirectly also contributes to the risk of dementia in the future. Eating fatty foods, too much salt, too much sugar intake can cause a variety of health problems that affect the health of the heart, blood vessels, and the brain that triggers dementia.
- Active smo**king.
Research in the Plos One Journal of 2015 showed that active smo**kers at risk of up to 30% higher to experience dementia than non-smo**kers. The longer you’re used to smo**king, the risk of dementia increased. Smo**king can damage the blood vessels of the body, disturb blood circulation, and increases the risk of heart disease. These factors that cause why smo**kers are more likely to have dementia than people who do not smo**ke.
- A head injury.
The head injury should not be underestimated. Severe head injury can result in brain damage. A study of the year 2014 showed that people aged 55 years and over who are suffering from brain injuries in a higher risk of dementia, while even a mild brain injury can increase the risk of dementia in seniors 65 years and over. Always protect your head with the appropriate protective devices, such as a helmet or face mask, if your profession has a high risk of injury. Also, always make sure you wear seat belts or helmets during the drive to avoid head trauma due to accidents.
- Depression.
Other risk factors of dementia is depression. Even so, the link between the two things is extremely complex. One study even reported that depression can double the risk of dementia. Depression is thought to be the cause of a strong dementia in old age due to the symptoms of depression that makes someone withdrew from the surrounding environment. Social isolation over time can negatively affect the health and function of the brain.
Additionally, if you experience depression and having a stroke, this will also increase the risk of dementia by up to 5 times. While if you have depression and hypertension, the risk of dementia may increase up to 3 times. Depression can be prevented or managed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and healthy eating patterns. If you are prescribed antidepressants, drug consumption as recommended by the doctor. Do not stop or alter the dose alone, without the knowledge of the doctor to prevent the risk of side effects.
Thank you very much for Risk factor for dementia, hopefully useful.
