This week, another blog from Dr Yakup Kilic highlighting important research in the world of dementia.
What?
A recent study has demonstrated that increased physical activity helped reduce inflammation and thus slowed down the onset of dementia in participants. Furthermore, another study showed that being ‘cognitively active’, meaning performing activities that would stimulate the brain, also slowed down the development of dementia by five years.
Through several other studies, we know that inflammation in the body can lead to cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes, all of which contribute to the development of dementia. Combatting and reducing inflammation is therefore key, but unfortunately there’s no quick fix.
Why?
The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, over 120 million people will be living with dementia. Dementia is the loss of the ability to think, remember and reason to the extent that it effects your daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the cause of dementia in 90% of people, however there are a number of other forms of dementia. This can be due to narrowing or blockage of the small blood vessels inside the brain, or is related to other conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
This key area of research seeks to prevent the development of dementia in people and reduce the economic and social burden that accompanies it. As the government hikes up taxes, we know that a large proportion of this money will (quite rightly) go towards social care for people with dementia – in turn costing taxpayers millions, or even billions, of pounds.
How (does it affect you)?
For anyone approaching their later years, or indeed any one of us, the evidence is a stark reminder of the impact our actions have on our own health. This news affects everyone and is a call to action against sedentary and unhealthy lifestyles.
These studies show that – whilst some people may be a little more likely to develop dementia due to their genetic makeup from birth – being physically active and exercising your brain through the use of puzzles or a mentally stimulating career, can help delay the development of dementia.
According to experts, other ways of reducing the risk of developing dementia include:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight – see our blog on this topic!
- Keeping alcohol within recommended limits
- Quitting smoking
- Keeping blood pressure at recommended targets for age
As a society we should endeavour to commit to a life centred around the above points and indeed lead a healthier lifestyle. Healthier citizens translate to healthcare systems under less strain, and in turn, better care for all.
If you or a loved one are affected by dementia, why not read myHSN’s top tips on dementia.
As always, best wishes from myHSN!
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34379124/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34261788/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/dementia-prevention/
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/antioxidants-in-depth#:~:text=Antioxidants%20are%20man%2Dmade%20or,be%20beneficial%20in%20preventing%20diseases.
