Dementia is when you lose memory, language, and other skills you need for thinking. It's usually because of Alzheimer’s disease and mostly happens to people who are 65 or older. Sadly, dementia can get so bad that it messes up your daily life, and people with dementia often need more help.
Blair Steel, a psychologist at Carrara Treatment, Wellness & Spa, explained, “Dementia is a group of conditions where at least two brain functions, like judgment and memory, don’t work right.” Symptoms of dementia include forgetting things, not being good at socializing, and having trouble with thinking that gets in the way of daily life.
So what causes dementia? Your age, family history, race, heart health, and if you had a bad head injury can make you more likely to get it. But another big reason is how you live your life. So, even if you can’t control your genes, there are some things you might be doing that can make your risk higher. Here are a few:
Not moving enough or sitting too long:
Doing exercises, especially ones that get your heart pumping, can help your brain and your health. Doing exercise often, especially if you’re close to 60, can make your brain work better and lower your risk of dementia.
Not being social enough:
Being with other people and doing things together can protect you from dementia. It’s important to keep your brain active with social stuff, especially as you get older. Spending time on social media might not be the same as being with people in real life, though.
Not sleeping enough:
Not getting good sleep and having dementia are common problems for older adults. Being busy with family, work, or staying up late with your phone or TV can stop you from getting enough sleep. Bad sleep when you’re younger might make dementia more likely when you’re older.
Being stressed all the time:
Stress can make dementia worse because it messes with your memory. Too much stress, especially all the time, can hurt your brain and make it harder to think. Doing things that help you relax, like exercising or spending time with family, can help.
Drinking too much:
There’s a kind of dementia linked to drinking too much alcohol over a long time. People with this kind of dementia might have trouble doing simple tasks, remembering things, or thinking things through.
Eating bad food:
Eating too much unhealthy food can make dementia more likely. Eating lots of good stuff like veggies, fruits, whole grains, and fish can help your brain stay healthy.
Changing these habits can lower your risk of dementia. But if you or someone you know might have dementia, it’s important to see a doctor. Your regular doctor can check you out and send you to a specialist if you need it.
Q&A
What is dementia, and why is it a concern for older adults?
Dementia is when you lose memory, language, and thinking skills. It's often because of Alzheimer’s disease and mostly affects people who are 65 or older. It can make daily life hard and may need extra help.
According to Blair Steel, what is dementia, and what are its symptoms?
Blair Steel, a psychologist, says dementia is when at least two brain functions, like judgment and memory, don’t work right. Symptoms include forgetting things, trouble socializing, and problems with thinking.
What are some factors that can increase the risk of dementia?
Your age, family history, race, heart health, and head injuries can make dementia more likely. How you live your life also matters.
How can not moving enough or sitting too long affect your risk of dementia?
Not moving enough can harm your brain and health. Doing exercises, especially if you’re close to 60, can help your brain work better and lower your dementia risk.
Why is being social important for reducing the risk of dementia?
Being with others and doing things together can protect you from dementia. Keeping your brain active with social stuff is important, especially as you get older.
How does not sleeping enough affect the risk of dementia?
Not getting enough sleep and having dementia are common in older adults. Being busy or staying up late with your phone can stop you from getting good sleep, which might raise your dementia risk when you're older.
How does chronic stress impact dementia risk?
Too much stress can harm your memory and make dementia worse. Doing things that help you relax, like exercising or spending time with family, can help lower your risk.
How is excessive alcohol consumption linked to dementia?
Drinking too much alcohol over many years can lead to a type of dementia. People with this dementia might have trouble remembering things or doing simple tasks.
How can an unbalanced diet affect the risk of dementia?
Eating too much unhealthy food can make dementia more likely. Eating lots of healthy foods like veggies, fruits, whole grains, and fish can help keep your brain healthy.
What is the importance of seeking medical help if you suspect dementia?
If you think you or someone you know has dementia, it's important to see a doctor. They can check you out and send you to a specialist if needed. Getting help early can make a big difference.