How can you prevent dementia?
definition
Dementia is generally understood to mean the reduction in a person's cognitive, emotional and social skills. The disease progressively reduces the functioning of memory and other thinking skills, making it increasingly difficult for the person to carry out everyday activities and responsibilities. Dementia is a term for many different degenerative and non-degenerative diseases of the brain. Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is the most common cause of dementia, followed by vascular dementia, which can often occur after a stroke.
For general information see also: The dementia
Symptoms
The symptoms of dementia can vary widely. However, it mainly affects dementia the mental functions. An underlying illness will especially memory, Concentration as well as attention are affected drawn. As the process progresses the disease decreases and increases logical thinking and judgment. The patient also gradually loses the ability to communicate. The languages is no longer fluent and often the sufferer can no longer form clear sentences and confuses the meaning of many words. Also the visual perception deteriorates with the progression of dementia. People with dementia also have Short term memory problems and continue to lose control of everyday life. Due to the continual worsening of the disease, it is becoming more and more difficult for those affected to cope with everyday life. You forget appointments, can no longer cope in the familiar environment and at some point you are no longer able to take care of yourself.
First signs of dementia should therefore not ignored become. After all, it is particularly difficult for those affected when they notice that they are forgetting the simplest things. Often one comes depression and it is initially difficult for the patient to accept outside help. Good planning as you can remain largely independent in the future, but still get the help you needwho need them is in such a situation very important. Early detection is for planning treatment options very important and of great importance for a better acceptance of the new situation for the patients.
Prevent dementia
Every third person in Germany gets sick on average after the age of 60 owing to Alzheimer at a dementia. Because of this high incidence rate, many people want to know how to prevent dementia. Despite an ever more advanced medicine is still not possible a disease of dementia or Alzheimer's prevent medication. Therefore a unspecific prophylaxis perform. She has the goal to strengthen the resistance of the brain against the disease process and to train the skills of the brain. Prophylaxis is closely related to a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Physical activity
Active in sports to be, even at an advanced age, has shown in several studies that it can very positive affects. Regular exercise decreased well the incidence of dementia by half. Sport also promotes it physical fitness, increases the life quality. Sport continues to make for one balanced lifestyle and mood. Older people can feel very Exercise gently with regular cycling, swim, Walking or according to age gymnastics. Many group courses supervised by experienced trainers are offered for this purpose. There you will find some offers that are also tailored to the age.
Mental activities
Another way to prevent dementia is to challenge your brain regularly and to work out. Older people should be familiar with Read, Write and Puzzle employ. Regularly solving crossword puzzles, board games or more challenging brain games as well as continuing to play a musical instrument, is said to reduce the frequency of memory disorders in old age considerably. As a result of the various activities, the mental functions remain stressed longer and prevent the destruction of these cells. It can also be difficult for many older people to engage in stimulating intellectual activity. Here it is important that they motivated be and maybe with like-minded people who are in the same situation. Many people then find it easier to deal with their own illness.
nutrition
Food plays in many diseases a central role and should therefore always considered become. A healthy one and particularly balanced diet can reduce the risk of illness. The inclusion of Vitamins, special C. and E., are very important to the body. Studies show that fish minimizes the risk of developing dementia. One suspects the positive effect due to the contained Omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, the ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids is crucial and has a preventive effect.
high blood pressure
Permanently high blood pressure destroyed not only in the long term the vesselsbut leads to patients with Alzheimer's disease Circulatory disorders. These in turn accelerate the development of dementia. They are therefore a strong risk factor and early detection of a High blood pressure (hypertension) can be reduced. Hypertension should definitely be treated and medicated, because it is not only a risk for dementia but also plays a role in many other diseases.
Role of sleeping
A relaxing and healthy sleep rhythm is not just for ours Whim important but also for the regeneration of the body. A rested mind and body can do better powerful be. Regular sleep disorders In the form of problems falling asleep or staying asleep or even sleep deprivation can be very stressful for the body, especially for the brain, in the long run. Sleep disorders should therefore also be examined. Often there is a cause that can be physical or psychological in nature. Problems like Sleep apnea owing to Obesity can be treated. For example there is one Weight reduction very helpful. Mental stress such as professional or private stress often lead to problems falling asleep, as it is often very difficult for people to turn their thoughts on. Psychotherapy can be effective here and lead to a better way of dealing with stress. Treatment should then be sought.
