Dementia cases are increasing worldwide. Here's how to protect your brain starting today.
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With advances in medicine, science and technology, people are living longer and the world's aging population is increasing at an unprecedented rate, increasing the risk of more people living with dementia.
According to a recent report, “As the world's elderly population continues to grow, the number of people living with dementia will also increase, with the number of people living with dementia expected to reach approximately 139 million by 2050.'' It is expected.” According to the WHO, as of 2023, there will be more than 55 million people living with dementia worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization, by 2050, the number of people aged 65 and over will double to 2.1 billion.
According to the WHO, “Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of disability and dependence among older people around the world,” with nearly 10 million new deaths occurring each year. is said to be suffering from dementia.
Although there is no cure for this condition, psychologists and researchers are working to prevent its development, according to a study published by the WHO in 2023.
Although age remains the strongest known risk factor for dementia, researchers found a set of 12 “modifiable risk factors,” according to the Lancet Commission's 2020 report.
- less education
- high blood pressure
- Hearing impairment
- smoking
- obesity
- depression
- Lack of exercise
- Diabetes
- less social contact
- excessive alcohol intake
- traumatic brain injury
- Air pollution
“Together, 12 modifiable risk factors account for around 40% of dementia worldwide and therefore could theoretically be prevented or delayed,” reports The Lancet.
Research shows that while socio-economic status and education level can influence the onset of dementia, especially early in life, some other risks can be avoided.
Timothy Singham, a clinical psychologist and part-time senior lecturer at the National University of Singapore, said: “What we now know is that what's good for the heart is also good for the brain. That means there are many vascular risk factors for dementia. body,” he said. CNBC “Make It”.
Therefore, lack of exercise, eating unhealthy food, not getting enough sleep, excessive drinking and smoking put strain on the brain and risk causing future dysfunction, just as they pose risks to the heart, Singham says. he said.
A healthy body can reduce the risk of dementia, but a healthy mind is just as important.
“We know [that] In fact, people who have cumulative mental health symptoms throughout their lives [have] “It increases the risk of dementia,” Singham said.
“If you see improvement in your symptoms, [to one’s mental health] If you do this throughout your life, you can ultimately reduce your chances of developing dementia. ”
Here are five key “protective factors” – things people can do to prevent the onset of dementia.
- regular physical activity
- healthy eating habits
- Building a healthy support network
- maintain good sleep hygiene
- Find ways to regulate stress and emotions
It's easy to get caught up in our busy daily lives, so it's important to take breaks.
“If you're not physically active, you can't breathe, you can't see much of nature, and you're stuck in an office or home all day, your mental health deteriorates quickly,” Singham says. He said.
Additionally, it's important to build a healthy support network, both online and in person.
“I think a lot of young people are like that. [leaning on their] Online social networks – but you don’t have to give up face-to-face [meetups] With friends,” Ng Ai Lin, deputy director and chief counselor at Viriya Community Services, told CNBC Make It.
“Another thing I would recommend to young people is to be very disciplined and have good sleep hygiene, because our brains really need rest,” Ng said. She suggests getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.
Finally, it's important to find ways to regulate your emotions and stress. In addition to eating healthy, exercising, and sleeping every day, finding professional help or relying on your support network when needed is a way to protect your mental health.
As dementia cases continue to rise, mental health experts expect the impact will extend beyond those directly affected.
“Caregivers themselves are struggling to understand the illness. They lose someone to illness, they lose someone they were once able to empathize with and communicate with. [with] is not the same anymore,” Ng said.
Caregivers and loved ones are at risk of developing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and insomnia, Ng explained.
“Suddenly, someone you know well has forgotten about you; [they are] unable to perform as [they did] “Before you get sick…you can experience emotional distress,” she said.
Given the difficult circumstances, experts say it's also important for those around people with dementia to take care of their own mental and physical health as well.
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