Learn about the risk factors for dementia

Dementia encompasses a wide range of medical conditions, including Alzheimer's disease. Abnormal changes in the brain lead to disorders grouped under the term "dementia." The changes lead to a decline in thinking abilities, also known as cognitive abilities, that are severe enough to interfere with Daily life, it also has an impact on a person's behavior, and people who have a high genetic risk of developing dementia can lead a healthier lifestyle and reduce the chances of developing the disease, according to the "Times of India" website.

Dementia is more common as people age (about a third of people age 85 or older may have some form of dementia) but it is not a normal part of aging.

Risk factors that increase the chances of developing dementia

Hypertension

High blood pressure damages the heart, blood vessels and brain, and increases the risk of stroke and vascular dementia.

When your blood pressure is always above 140/90 mmHg, you have hypertension, a serious condition that leads to heart attacks and strokes worldwide.

High blood sugar level

Blood sugar or glucose levels that are above normal can cause diabetes and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, cognitive impairment and dementia.

Also, measure your meals and snacks, and monitor your portions to control your blood sugar.

Unhealthy diet.

Limit fats and other sugars while eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood, unsaturated fats such as olive oil, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and unsaturated fats such as olive oil.

A healthy diet is important for preventing malnutrition in all its forms, as well as a variety of non-communicable diseases and conditions. However, dietary patterns have changed as a result of increased production of processed foods and changing lifestyles.

Limit social interaction

Connecting with others and participating in social activities can help prevent social isolation and loneliness, both of which are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.

Hearing problems

Hearing loss can make it more difficult to interact with others and can affect cognition and the risk of dementia in the elderly. If a person's hearing deteriorates in middle age, the risk of developing dementia later in life rises. This may be due to a variety of factors, including in that:

Hearing loss can cause people to withdraw from social situations and increase isolation over time. This can deplete their cognitive reserve.

Hearing problems can make it more difficult for other mental processes to function properly.

Age and heredity

are the two most significant risk factors for dementia for most people, researchers have discovered a number of genes that increase the risk of dementia Although it is believed that people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease are more likely to develop the disease, many people with Relatives with dementia never develop it, and many people without a family history of the disease develop it.

By the time they reach middle age, many people with Down syndrome have both neurological and behavioral signs of dementia.