Have you been feeling a little anxious lately because of something you've seen in the newspapers and on social media? There's been a lot of talk about a study that suggests that 42% of people over the age of 55 will develop dementia at some point. Hearing this may have made the lines at neurology appointments longer. But it's normal to feel scared and wonder, "Oh, will this happen to me too?" But experts say not to worry. Let's see what the story really is and what we should do.
Why shouldn't we worry?
Experts talking about this research say that many of the people who participated in this study are already at high risk of developing vascular disease. Simply put, people with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are at higher risk of developing dementia than those without those conditions.
But just because there is a risk doesn't mean you will definitely develop the disease. It's not exactly fate. How many patients with no vascular risk factors suffer from Alzheimer's dementia?
Therefore, what this new research says does not add anything new to the existing knowledge in medical science. What we already know is that having these risk factors increases the risk of dementia. Therefore, there is no need to be unnecessarily alarmed when you see news like this.
What should we do to prevent dementia?
Although there is no definitive cure for dementia yet, there is scientific evidence that there are ways to reduce the risk. So, if you are thinking about preventing dementia, here are three things to pay special attention to.
1. Know your 'numbers': This refers to your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and fasting blood sugar levels . All three of these health indicators directly affect your risk of dementia. It's important to talk to your doctor about these regularly, check them, and keep them at the right levels.
2. Exercise well: Don't start by thinking "I have to do it perfectly" here. The key is to start slowly and keep going. Any exercise that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat is a thousand times better than doing nothing. Even walking for 30 minutes a day can make a big difference.
3. Be careful about what you eat: Add more greens and vegetables to your diet. Reduce fried, packaged, and processed foods as much as possible.The health benefits of this, not only for your brain, but for your entire body, are priceless.
How to protect the brain at different times in life?
According to neurologists, preventing dementia is not something that starts when you get older. It's a lifelong journey that should start in childhood. Keeping your brain healthy at its best is important at any age. Parents, pay attention to this too.
Here's a table showing what we need to do for brain health at different times in life.
| Age group | Things to do |
|---|---|
| Childhood and youth | Parents should help their child get a good education, be social, and reach age-appropriate developmental milestones. |
| Young adulthood (up to 40 years old) | Learn new things constantly. Maintain good friendships and social connections. Be aware of conditions like anxiety and depression. If you have such symptoms, talk to your doctor and get treatment. Start saving for retirement. |
| In the 50s | Continue to do all of the above. If someone in your family has had dementia before the age of 60-65, consider cognitive screenings. Check your hearing. If you have any hearing loss, seek treatment immediately. Hearing loss also increases your risk of dementia. |
| In the 60s | Get used to retirement. Maintain healthy brain function. All of the above are more important now than ever. Stay social. Protect yourself from accidents like falls. Plan for the possibility of needing help with transportation needs in the future. |
| 70 years and older | Keep doing all the things you did in the 60s. Take regular memory tests. Even if you don't have friends and loved ones, try to stay social. Share your life experiences with the younger generation. |
| Things that are important at any age | |
| Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Avoid harmful substances (drugs, cigarettes). Protect yourself from head injuries (e.g., wear a helmet). Visit your doctor and dentist regularly. While this may seem like general health advice, all of these things are linked to long-term brain health and dementia risk. | |
Take-Home Message
- Don't be unnecessarily alarmed about dementia based on what you see in the newspapers. Being at risk does not mean you will definitely develop the disease.
- Control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Talk to your doctor about these regularly.
- Preventing dementia is a lifelong process. Healthy eating, exercise, and social connections are important at any age.
- Never underestimate things like hearing loss and stress. Seeking medical advice for these can also protect your brain health.
- Your brain health is in your own hands. Take action today.
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