“Never too early, Never too late”
With the number of people living with dementia set to almost triple by 2050, it has never been more important to recognize the risk factors associated with dementia and take proactive steps towards risk reduction. As such, this year’s theme ‘Never too early, never too late’, centers on the key risk factors and risk reduction, aiming to emphasize their crucial role in delaying and potentially preventing the onset of dementia. This also importantly includes ongoing risk reduction for those who have already been diagnosed . Risk Factors Researchers believe there isn’t a single cause of Alzheimer’s disease. It likely develops from multiple factors, such as genetics, lifestyle and environment. Scientists have identified factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. While some risk factors — age, family history and heredity — can’t be changed, emerging evidence suggests there may be other factors we can influence. Heart-head connection Some of the strongest evidence links brain health to heart health. This connection makes sense, because the brain is nourished by one of the body’s richest networks of blood vessels, and the heart is responsible for pumping blood through these blood vessels to the brain. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia appears to be increased by many conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels. These include heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Work with your doctor to monitor your heart health and treat any problems that arise.
Top 5 Wellness Strategies to Prevent Alzheimer’s Dementia
- Schedule Dinner with a Friend – The CDC reports that social isolation is connected to a 50% increased risk of dementia. Social contact has a positive effect on the brain, “creating a “cognitive reserve” reducing stress and promoting other healthy behaviors
- Get Moving – Alzheimer’s disease is linked to heart conditions and the best way to decreased heart disease and high blood pressure is exercise. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to rigorously exercise. Daily walks can be enough to increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
- Speak a different language – According to the Glasgow Memory Clinic, lifelong bilingualism can prevent cognitive decline and may help delay the onset of dementia
- Flex Your Brain – The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine found that playing online reasoning and memory games can help adults over the age of 50 carry out every days like navigating public transportation and managing personal finances.
- Buckle Up – Research shows that adults with moderate head trauma are at double the risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to peers without head trauma. Wearing a seatbelt is an easy first step to reducing your risk of head trauma.