Are you worried that you might develop signs of dementia as you get older? You’re not alone and this is a common concern, particularly as you arrive at the middle-age mark. It’s important to understand that issues with dementia and cognitive decline become far more likely as you age. By the time you reach eighty, you are more likely to have signs of dementia than not.
It’s also worth noting that there is no cure for dementia, although researchers are focused on exploring different forms of treatment. There have even been major developments on medication that will allow doctors to treat dementia in the early stages and stop it from developing.
Research also suggests that there are steps individuals can take to reduce their chances of developing this condition.
What Causes Dementia?
There are hundreds of different types of dementia. Some are more severe than others and unfortunately, doctors aren’t completely clear on what causes these conditions. Though research has certainly suggested significant links. For instance, studies show that there seems to be a definite connection between the development of dementia and hearing loss. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you are getting treatment for hearing loss as soon as you notice issues. This will usually start with a hearing aid fitting to find the right form of treatment for you.
Another link has been made between dementia and depression. If people are depressed and socially withdrawn, then they are far more likely to develop signs of dementia, even at a relatively early age.
Of course, the main cause of dementia might be due to people becoming less mentally active as they age. So, what can you do to reduce the chances that you’ll develop dementia?
Key Steps
First, it’s important that you do work to keep your brain and mind active. This becomes more important as you age. One of the ways to do this is to solve problems regularly. For instance, you can think about playing Scrabble or playing games of Sudoku. The choice is entirely up to you. The main point here is that you need to complete active processes rather than always remaining passive. An example of a passive activity would be watching a TV show on Netflix. A more active activity would be brain teasers and you can find plenty of these online.
If you are trying to help an elderly parent avoid issues with dementia, then you need to make sure that they are socializing as regularly as possible. For instance, you can encourage them to join social groups where they can interact with people who are similar ages. Remember, if they have issues with mobility, you’ll need to help ensure that they can attend these social activities too.
Research also suggests that staying physically active could help stop the signs of dementia from developing too.
We hope this helps you fight your fear of dementia. Remember, there are steps you can take right now that could significantly reduce your chances of developing a condition like this, particularly later on in your life.
