December 12, 2021

You often hear terms such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia used in the same breath, although the two can be linked to each other, they are not necessarily related at all.

dementia A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Organization, Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease of the brain that results from complex changes in the brain after cell damage, and leads to symptoms of dementia that gradually worsen over time. The most common early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty remembering new information because the disease usually affects the part of the brain related to learning first.

According to the Mayo Clinic mayo clinic Dementia is caused by damage or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain. Depending on the area of ​​the brain affected, dementia can affect people differently and cause different symptoms.

Here is a list of mistakes you can avoid, according to the Mayo Clinic:

Diet and exercise:

Several observational studies have shown that exercise reduces the risk of cognitive decline, and research shows that lack of exercise increases the risk of dementia.

And while there is no specific diet known to reduce dementia risk, research indicates an increased incidence of dementia in people who eat an unhealthy diet compared to those who follow a Mediterranean-style diet rich in produce, whole grains and nuts. and seeds.

Excessive use of alcohol:

Drinking large amounts of alcohol or excessive alcohol intake has long been known to cause changes in the brain, and several large studies and reviews have found that alcohol use disorders were associated with an increased risk of dementia, especially early dementia.

Cardiovascular risk factors:

High blood pressure, especially high blood pressure in middle age, has been associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol, a buildup of fat in the arterial walls (atherosclerosis), and obesity.

Untreated stress and depression:

A study conducted by the departments of psychiatry (WHITE ، KY), and neuroscience (KY), epidemiology and biostatistics (KY), University of California reported a 70% per cent risk of developing dementia is associated with depression.

Obesity:

People with a high BMI and central obesity are more likely to develop dementia (the risk is 3.5 times higher). However, people with a healthy BMI with central obesity still had a two times higher risk of developing dementia than people without excess belly fat.

Belly fat, also known as visceral fat, can harm the brain because it produces hormones and chemicals that promote inflammation and insulin resistance.

diabetic:

Having diabetes may increase the risk of developing dementia, especially if it is poorly controlled. Diabetes can cause several complications, such as damage to blood vessels, and diabetes is considered a risk factor for vascular dementia.

smoking:

Smoking may increase the risk of dementia and vascular disease.