Research by the Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) indicates¹Globally, someone is diagnosed with a cognitive impairment-related disease approximately every 3 seconds, with the majority being elderly individuals. This highlights the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its detrimental effects on the elderly. In this article, we will explore the causes of cognitive impairment, understand how lifestyle habits increase the risk of developing it, and provide recommendations for its prevention.To help you get to know moreDementiaWhat's going on.
What is dementia?
First, we need to understand the definition of dementia. Symptoms of dementia typically include memory loss, a decline in thinking abilities, and impaired daily functioning, and it is a brain disease. Dementia is different from normal ageing, as it is caused by pathological changes in the patient's brain cells, leading to rapid degeneration and death of brain cells; this process causes a decline in brain function, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms becoming increasingly severe.
There are currently no drugs that can cure cognitive impairment globally, so if you or your family experience unusual memory loss, movement or speech difficulties, please seek medical advice promptly..
Types and causes of cognitive impairment
Cognitive impairment is an umbrella term which can be broken down into the following types to facilitate discussion of the speed of disease progression and its causes..
Alzheimer's Disease
In cases of cognitive impairment, a score of 50% to 75% would indicate ‘Alzheimer’s disease’.In terms of symptoms, cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s patients is progressive, including memory loss, taking longer to complete tasks and repetitive speech. As the condition progresses to its final stages, patients may become bedridden for extended periods and require specialised care.
As the condition is caused by a lesion in brain cells, abnormal substances form "plaques".」，Information in the brain is disturbed, and there is currently no specific drug treatment..
Vascular Dementia
The second most common type of dementia is 'vascular dementia', caused by brain damage resulting from strokes or vascular diseases. The condition in patients with this type of dementia progresses in a step-like manner, with each stroke causing further deterioration of brain function. Currently, medication can only be used to slow the progression of the illness.
3. Dementia With Lewy Bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a small sub-branch of dementia. The condition of patients with this type of dementia fluctuates greatly, and it can worsen on a day-to-day basis, which is different from the progression of the two types mentioned above.
The cause of diffuse Lewy body cognitive impairment is unknown, but patients have small, ball-shaped deposits in their brain tissue called Lewy bodies, which can lead to hallucinations, falls, or Parkinsonian tremors.
4. Frontotemporal Dementia
Among patients with dementia, fewer than 10% are diagnosed with ‘frontotemporal dementia’. Patients with this condition generally develop the condition at40Year of ageIndividuals in their 60s whose brains are primarily affected in the frontal and temporal lobes often experience a lack of inhibition in their behaviour or personality. The cause of frontotemporal dementia remains unknown, but some cases are hereditary.
5. Huntington’s Disease
Huntington's disease, as its name suggests, presents with symptoms including cognitive decline and involuntary muscle twitches in the hands, feet, and face. This type of cognitive impairment typically develops between the ages of 30 and50At the same time, symptoms of dementia will also appear, such as impaired memory, unclear speech, and reduced judgment..
Reducing the risk of cognitive impairment
The Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) 2023 annual report² proposes a concept: while a cure for dementia is a long way off, reducing dementia risk is an effective preventative measure we can take, and the earlier we start to be aware of reducing dementia risk，The advantage will increase..
How can we reduce the risk of cognitive impairment? Here are 5 tips to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
Diversify your diet
The convenience of processed foods offers an advantage over whole foods, but we need to avoid excessive consumption of processed items. Aiming for a healthy diet in your daily meals, and ensuring variety, can help ward off cognitive impairment.
Here is a diet checklist. It is recommended to consume the following foods in your daily diet as much as possible:.
- Foods that can be included in daily choices: vegetable oils, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, cereals and roots, fish and shellfish, or dairy products
- Several times a week: sweets, eggs and poultry
- Several times a month: red meat
2. Maintain appropriate social interactions
Depression and isolation can easily affect brain health, increasing the risk of cognitive impairment. Humans are social animals, so it is recommended to maintain appropriate social activities monthly, such as going out for meals with friends, participating in festive events, volunteering, or travelling, which can help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
3. Exercise regularly
Effective ways to prevent dementia include consistently exercising your brain. Exercise can be divided into two types: physical exercise and brain exercise. By continuously challenging yourself, you can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
- Physical exercise: walking, Tai Chi, dancing, cycling, running, swimming、Horticulture etc..
- Brain training: learning new things, learning new languages, crosswords, singing, memory games, reading more newspapers and magazines, writing, playing bridge, painting, cooking, etc..
4. Avoid bad habits
A healthy body is the best option for avoiding any illness, including cognitive impairment. Therefore, there are small things we can do in our daily lives that can help maintain physical health, for example：
- Go to bed and wake up early to ensure sufficient sleep..
- No smoking.
- Not drinking alcohol.
- Avoid activities involving repeated impact to the head..
5. Focus on Chronic Diseases
High-risk groups, such as those with chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, are potential risk factors for cognitive impairment. Through a healthy lifestyle, we can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, so it's important to avoid long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and depression.
For greater peace of mind, it is recommended to have a medical check-up every 1 to 2 years. If you are older or have significant health conditions, you can have an annual check-up to ensure your health status.
Medical Aesthetic Services offers a variety of comprehensive health check-up packages, including those specifically designed for men or women, cardiovascular checks, heart checks, and sports performance assessments. Our aim is to safeguard your health and detect illnesses at their earliest stage. To make an appointment or find out more information regarding health check-ups, you can book online or contact us..
World Alzheimer Report 2015: The Global Impact of Dementia
The 2023 World Alzheimer Report: Reducing Dementia Risk
Disclaimer: This content is independently written by a third party for informational purposes only, is not sponsored, and cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any stance. If you experience any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
