12 Lifestyle Factors That Delay, Potentially Prevent, Dementia

9 Minute Read

Tags: Aged Care, Independence & Lifestyle, Dementia

On the global health front, September brings awareness raising on Alzheimer's, a disease more commonly referred to as dementia.

12 Lifestyle Factors That Delay, Potentially Prevent, Dementia
© Danielle Robertson Consulting Pty Ltd t/as DR Care Solutions


On the global health front, the month of September brings awareness raising on Alzheimer's, a disease more commonly referred to as dementia[1].


This year’s campaign theme, “Never too late, never too early”[2], highlights how you can start acting today to delay, and potentially prevent, the onset of dementia.


So many questions


When it comes to dementia, there are so many questions to ask, with most yet to be answered by our scientists.


The most pressing question is the personal one: What is the likelihood of me developing dementia? Is there anything I can do now to reduce the risk?


We briefly touch on the answers today and encourage you to explore the resources available on the World Alzheimer’s International website[3].


What is my likelihood of developing dementia?


There are more than 20 genes which affect a person’s risk of developing dementia. One particular gene, APOE, was the first known and remains the strongest risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.


You can have a test to establish whether you have the APOE gene, however, we are told the results cannot fully predict whether you will develop Alzheimer’s[4].


Is there anything I can do now to reduce the risk of developing dementia?


Research has found 12 lifestyle risk factors which you can act on today to delay, and potentially prevent, your chances of developing dementia. This has been evidenced in 40% of dementia cases.


Start preventing or delaying your chances of developing dementia by addressing these 12 risk factors.

(1)

Physical inactivity: Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia. Aim for either 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week.

(2)

Smoking: Smoking greatly increases your risk of developing dementia. It’s never too late to stop.

(3)

Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol misuse and drinking more than 21 units weekly increases the risk of dementia so reduce your alcohol intake.

(4)

Air pollution: Air pollution increases the risk of dementia so do your best to improve your air quality.

(5)

Head injury: Reduce your risk of head injuries by driving and riding carefully. Take care with your sporting interests, particularly those contact sports of boxing, football and hockey.

(6)

Infrequent social contact: Social contact enhances your cognitive reserve. Join a club or community group to stay socially active.

(7)

Less education: A low level of education in early life affects cognitive reserve and is one of the most significant risk factors for dementia. Yet another reason to encourage young ones to do their homework!

(8)

Obesity: Particularly in mid-life, obesity is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Adopt lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

(9)

Hypertension: Hypertension (high blood pressure) in mid-life increases a person’s risk of dementia. Medication for hypertension is the only known effective preventive medication for dementia.

(10)

Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is a clear risk factor for developing dementia. While it is unclear whether any particular Type 2 diabetes medication helps reduce the possibility of dementia, certainly exercising, losing weight and eating well helps manage both.

(11)

Depression: Depression is associated with the incidence of dementia. It is important to manage and treat depression.

(12)

Hearing impairment: People with hearing loss have a significantly increased risk of dementia. Using hearing aids helps reduce the risk.

 

As the saying goes, “prevention is better than cure” and at this point, while there has been recent good news on medications helping to delay dementia, there is no cure.


Be aware that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can start many years prior to the appearance of symptoms[5]. The best foot forward is to address those 12 risk factors in your lifestyle.


Next week we’ll take a look at the latest medications entering the market!

 

The information in this blog is not medical advice. See your GP for medical advice.

 

Activity Poster for Visiting a Loved One Living with Dementia

If you are visiting someone living with dementia, download our Dementia Activity Poster for great ideas of activities you can share with your loved one.

Dementia Activity Poster

Activities for Living in the Moment & Enjoying the Present

Visits to a loved one living with dementia can be an amazing and rewarding experience for both of you. But we know it's not always easy knowing what activities to enjoy with them that will be rewarding, fun and comfortable.

We put together a list of enjoyable activities for your visits.

It's free and easy to download; we invite you to get your copy.

Submit the form below and we'll send it directly to your email address.

 Dementia Activities Poster

 

 

Need help caring for a loved one? Please feel free to call me, Danielle Robertson, at any time for an initial discussion on how to set up the right care, support and assistance at the right time and in the right place.
- Contact Danielle - For An Impartial & Confidential Conversation

 

Resources

[1] For definitions - DR Care Solutions: World Dementia Month - The Journey of Dementia
[2] Alzheimer's Disease International: Never Too Early, Never Too Late
[3] Alzheimer's Disease International: Reports & Resources
[4] Alzheimer's Association: Genetic Testing
[5] DR Care Solutions: Diagnosing Dementia - New Global Report

 

 
Danielle Robertson

Danielle Robertson

Working with you and your support network to get the right care outcomes for you and your loved ones. Danielle Robertson is founder and CEO of DR Care Solutions, offering aged care and disability care concierge services and expertise on how to set up the right care, support and assistance for your loved one, at the right time and in the right place. Danielle's experience in the Australian care sector spans over three and a half decades. Now that's a lot of experience, wisdom and networks!