- October 6, 2018
- Mental disorders
- Maxim Denisenko
According to the World Health Organization, by 2050, almost 100 million people will be at risk of severe cognitive impairment such as dementia. Prevention of this disease in young and middle age seems especially necessary, although there is a set of exercises for older people. Dementia affects such fundamental human abilities as speech, memory, thinking, and the particular danger is that the impairment of these abilities occurs gradually.
Signs of dementia
A person receives signals about the possibility of the onset of senile dementia at a young age, but they are fully realized in people over 60 years of age. Knowing the signs of this disorder allows you to think in a timely manner about how to avoid dementia and what preventive measures to take. There are ten such signs:
- memory loss;
- difficulties in doing usual things;
- speech disorders;
- spatial and temporal disorientation;
- persistent suspicions of relatives and friends of theft;
- loss of ability to remember the answer to a question;
- moving objects to unusual places;
- mood swings;
- gradual forgetting of the names of objects;
- depressive state.
Stages of the disorder
Options to prevent dementia depend on how severely the disease affects the person. At the stage of mild dementia, a person loses the ability to engage in professional activities, and his social activity decreases. The patient loses interest in the world around him. At the same time, he is able to take care of himself and do housework independently.
At the stage of moderate dementia (most often it is colloquially called senile insanity), a person loses self-care skills, including the ability to independently unlock the door lock. A person suffering from moderate dementia cannot be left unattended; he always needs prompting from others, although he continues to monitor hygiene.
The final stage is severe dementia. A person completely loses touch with the environment. He is no longer able to wash himself or eat. Basic self-care skills are forgotten.
Causes of dementia
The main reasons leading to the development of dementia in old age are:
- neurodegenerative diseases that cause the death of brain cells;
- metabolic disorders;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- traumatic brain injuries;
- infections and brain tumors.
Recently, researchers have drawn attention to the fact that the cause of dementia is often an unhealthy lifestyle. People with low physical activity and those who eat fatty and salty foods are at risk. In addition, a connection has been established between senile dementia and low levels of education.
Specifics of pathology in women
A woman's ovaries produce a hormone called estrogen throughout her reproductive years. During menopause, hormone synthesis stops, which can trigger the development of dementia. If the pathology has already been diagnosed, then hormone replacement therapy will not have the desired effect. In addition, incorrect hormonal therapy can aggravate the situation, causing a sharp progression of the disease.
The only way to prevent this situation is to prevent Alzheimer's disease in women from adolescence. To do this, it is important to follow the recommendations described above. They are also relevant for men.
Every year the number of people aged 50-55 who are diagnosed with senile dementia is growing. This is due to the modern overly dynamic pace of life, information overload, smoking and drug abuse. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to your lifestyle, starting from youth.
Source: fb.ru
Difficulties in preventing disease
Despite the seriousness and danger of the reasons listed above, according to experts, they are decisive only for 35% of cases. In the remaining 65% of cases, the main factor in the development of dementia is a genetic predisposition to various diseases that negatively affect brain function. Because of this, various preventive measures can prevent only one third of all cases of senile dementia. At the same time, researchers are forced to admit that even meticulously following all recommendations for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not reliable insurance. There are cases where apparently healthy people already at a relatively young age are faced with dementia and, on the contrary, those who did not pay enough attention to their health lived to an old age without any memory impairment.
Diagnostics
Doctors characterize dementia as a syndrome resulting from brain disorders and diagnose it according to the following criteria:
- dysfunction in emotional and motivational terms;
- loss of the ability to think, reason, and absorb information;
- memory loss, difficulty remembering new information;
- the significance of the observed disorders in medicine;
- symptoms that persist for up to six months.
Guided by these signs, the neurologist studies the specific case in more detail, conducts a test for dementia and makes a diagnosis.
It is worth noting the importance of early determination of the verdict, since the first signs of senile dementia are easier to stop and delay the transition of the disease to a severe form for an indefinite period.
The following persons take part in establishing the diagnosis: a neurologist, a neuropathologist, and a psychiatrist. To confirm the version, additional instrumental studies may be prescribed:
- X-ray;
- CT (computed tomography);
- MRI (magnetic resonance);
- encephalogram.
If the doctor considers it appropriate to carry out these methods, then he has doubts about the reliability of the primary diagnosis. Using technical equipment, the extent of damage to the brain and its individual parts is determined. This is a way to more accurately determine the etiological cause.
All diagnostic methods are justified, since dementia should be differentiated from pseudodementia, provoked by stress and psycho-emotional shocks, depression.
Shameful disease
As practice shows, very often people do not think about how to prevent dementia. One of the main reasons for ignorance is the stigmatization of senile dementia in society. While cancer, heart disease and even migraines are perceived as likely health conditions that need to be addressed in their early stages, dementia is perceived as something shameful. A person, even having noticed all the signs of impending dementia, tries to hide it, does not want to be a burden. A sociological survey conducted in 2014 by VTsIOM showed that 38% of respondents consider it shameful to tell someone they know that their relative has dementia.
Data from the same survey also indicate that half of the respondents do not even think about old age and all the problems associated with it, including the prevention and treatment of dementia. Taking the necessary measures to prevent the disease in this case becomes almost impossible due to the low awareness of the population about the signs of senile dementia.
General recommendations for preventing dementia
Most of the causes of the disease are associated with the death of brain cells. This process is irreversible, therefore all preventive measures are aimed at restructuring the nervous system. The body itself is configured to compensate for the damage received. General preventative measures can help it remain in working condition for as long as possible.
First of all, you need to give up smoking and alcohol in favor of playing sports. Moderate cardio exercise prevents the risk of cardiovascular disease, which could lead to disruption of the supply of oxygen and nutrients to brain cells. Taking various medications is not a panacea. In contrast, in developed countries, doctors have long emphasized natural stimulation of brain activity. The main means of such stimulation include logical and intellectual games, creativity and communication.
With hereditary predisposition
Prevention of Alzheimer's disease is extremely important for women in middle age who have a hereditary predisposition. Thus, we can conclude that the best prevention is an active lifestyle, a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper nutrition, drinking, exercise and various breathing practices, etc. Positive outlook on life and a positive attitude are also no less important.
What other prevention of Alzheimer's disease in women is carried out?
Prevention of dementia in young and middle age
The loss of cognitive abilities between the ages of 25 and 55 is usually associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use all significantly increase the risk of experiencing memory loss and spatial disorientation. That is why experts strongly recommend getting rid of all bad habits.
In addition, already in your youth you can think about preventing dementia in old age. It has long been noted that learning foreign languages is a good workout for the brain. According to statistics, people who speak at least one foreign language are less likely to suffer from senile dementia. Solving crosswords or other puzzles is also very useful.
Risk factors
You should be wary of developing this disease in yourself or your loved ones in the following cases::
- the person’s age is approaching 75 years (and women are more susceptible to developing dementia);
- the patient has been diagnosed with diabetes (this disease is destructive to the blood vessels of the whole body, including the brain);
- one of your close relatives suffered from manifestations of senile dementia (the tendency to the disease is inherent in the genes);
- there have been head injuries;
- suffered a stroke;
- infectious lesions of the brain, such as syphilis, encephalitis, meningitis, tuberculosis, have been diagnosed;
- low level of physical and intellectual activity for a long time;
- excess cholesterol in the blood;
- systematic self-poisoning with alcohol, nicotine, psychotropic drugs;
- Throughout life, a person has been characterized by depressive disorders.
If you notice one of the listed symptoms or a combination of them in yourself or people dear to you, then you should not fall into despair .
You need to consult a doctor promptly if alarming signs appear, follow the recommendations of specialists, and take prescribed medications.
And, of course, it’s time to think about dementia prevention .
What else you need to know about dementia:
- what are the reasons for the development of the disease and is there a connection with other diseases;
- why it develops in children and adolescents and what early dementia is;
- is there a difference in manifestations in men and women, between acquired and congenital dementia;
- how many stages of development the disease goes through;
- what treatment methods exist, what drugs are used;
- how many years do people with dementia live, are they given disability, what kind of care do they need;
- How to behave for relatives of people suffering from dementia.
Physical exercise
Even at age 50, moderate exercise is great for preventing dementia. Swimming or long walks are not taxing on the body, but at the same time significantly reduce the risk of senile dementia. Running plays an important preventive role. Statistically, you can reduce your risk of dementia by 40% by running 25 kilometers a week.
You can combine business with pleasure. Dancing or working in the garden brings not only pleasure, but also has a beneficial effect on the body.
Power control
One of the most important tips on how to avoid dementia is to follow the rules of a balanced diet. The consequence of excess weight is very often diabetes mellitus or myocardial infarction, which, in turn, cause disturbances in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Therefore, a balanced diet is one of the ways to prevent dementia. Prevention of dementia at both 50 and 30 years old equally involves eating a variety of seafood, vegetables and fruits. The most familiar foods sometimes play an important role in preventing senile dementia. For example, apples contain significant amounts of quercetin, which protects the brain from neurodegenerative diseases, and the flavonol found in dark chocolate stimulates and improves blood flow to the brain. Green tea has virtually no contraindications. Meanwhile, it contains catechin, which prevents mental fatigue and supports brain function.
Basic preventive measures and their impact on brain function
Preventing dementia will require adjustments to your usual lifestyle. Even in the absence of organic brain damage, it is difficult to avoid intellectual problems in adulthood without making any efforts. In order not to become one of those suffering from dementia and to live a decent old age, you should adhere to simple prevention methods that have a beneficial effect on brain function:
- Rejection of bad habits. If the dangerous age for dementia is considered to be 65 years old, then for smokers and drinkers it is reduced by an average of 10 years. Harmful addictions doom the brain to oxygen starvation and deprive its tissues of nutrients, creating favorable conditions for the development of vascular dementia.
- New hobbies and educational activities. Mental work creates a reserve reserve for interneuron connections in different parts of the brain. Learning foreign languages, playing musical instruments, painting, reading, memorizing poetry, going to the theater, exhibitions and museums helps to successfully resist neurodegenerative disease. The implementation of planned plans that bring pleasure, regardless of age, increases motivation for further self-development, stimulating the higher functions of the nervous system. In people who receive limited information, dementia occurs more often and progresses much faster.
- Moderate physical activity. It is advisable to carry out exercises to prevent dementia regularly and in doses. This means that you should not push yourself to the point of exhaustion in the gym. It is useful to take measured walks in the fresh air, swim, jog, and work in the garden and summer cottages. Strength training on muscles can also make the brain more efficient. During the exercise, positive changes in the cognitive sphere occur due to the active saturation of the brain with oxygen. In addition, the level of depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness decreases, and mood improves.
- Expanding your circle of communication and social activities. Passively spending time watching TV and virtual contacts on the Internet must be replaced with “live” communication. The likelihood of maintaining clarity of mind in old age is much higher for those who are actively involved in everyday activities, are open to new acquaintances, and participate in social life and cultural events. For lonely people who experience mental discomfort and are prone to depression, the risk of developing dementia increases by 2-3 times.
Prevention of dementia in older people may include the use of such effective and at the same time interesting activities as needlework, carpentry and pottery, and ballroom dancing. Studies have shown that learning dance steps helps preserve the volume of the brain that is responsible for memory.
Monitoring vital signs
Control of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol is of great importance for the prevention of senile dementia. If the glucose level in the blood significantly exceeds the norm, then metabolism is disrupted, which causes a chain reaction, at the end of which senile dementia may occur. Therefore, starting from at least 40 years of age, it is necessary to take a blood sugar test at least three times a year.
Hypertension and surges in blood pressure negatively affect the elasticity of blood vessels, and cholesterol plaques deform them. If someone in the family has previously been diagnosed with dementia, blood pressure control is fundamentally important from a young age to prevent this disease. When the pressure is above 140/90 mmHg. Art. specialist intervention is required.
Prevention of Alzheimer's disease in women with folk remedies
To prevent this disease the following is used:
Prevention of Alzheimer's disease with folk remedies can be very effective.
Drug treatment
Senile dementia is an incurable disease, but its destructive effect on the body can be stopped. To prevent dementia at different stages, various drugs are used. In particular, at the stage of mild dementia, antidepressants and nerve conduction stimulants are indicated. But since all these medications significantly affect the nervous system, it is necessary to carefully familiarize yourself with the contraindications and side effects. The latter can be expressed in nausea and diarrhea.
Starting from the stage of moderate dementia, medications are taken for life. Various sedatives become an important element in the complex of pharmacological treatment, since mood swings, heightened suspiciousness and feelings of guilt become an essential element of the patient’s behavior. Since sleep disturbances are common in dementia, various sleeping pills are indicated.
Patient care
Despite all preventive measures, dementia becomes a sad reality for many in old age. The main burden of caring for a person suffering from this disorder falls on the shoulders of relatives. Unfortunately, modern medicine does not have any techniques for training patients in order to restore their lost skills. In this regard, we can only talk about providing patients with adequate comfort.
First of all, for this it is necessary to obtain as much information as possible about the nature of dementia. To do this, it is best to consult a specialist. If this is not done, then the situation will become fraught with conflicts precisely because of a lack of understanding that the oddities in the patient’s behavior are due precisely to the loss of cognitive skills, and not to momentary whims. At the same time, there is no need to go to extremes and treat a person like a houseplant or an inanimate object.
The emotions of a person suffering from dementia are extremely heightened, therefore, by creating the safest possible environment for him, it is also necessary to create the illusion of his independence. Patience and calm are required from a person caring for a patient, even if it is a hired nurse.
Even if a person is affected by senile dementia, prevention is still important. Keeping the patient in good physical shape helps slow down further destruction of cognitive skills. For the same reason, it is necessary to maintain a person’s social activity. Frequent confidential conversations can prevent further loss of the ability to speak clearly.
