According to the most recent studies, dementia affects as many as one in 10 older Americans and can impact everything from their ability to live independently, to their moods, temper, and beyond. It’s a devastating disease and, for many of us, the idea of joining those numbers is terrifying.
Yet, while most of us know about the need to, say, exercise regularly to avoid heart problems, there’s far less information about how we can avoid dementia. This can make it seem like there’s nothing we can do if dementia is on our cards. In reality, though, while studies are ongoing, scientists believe that there are definite links between dementia and certain things throughout our lives.
Unfortunately, poor coverage and inconclusive findings mean that many of us fall foul of those risk factors without even realizing it. To help you avoid doing the same, we’re going to look at what they are, and how you can lessen their harm.
# 1 – The harm of poor hearing
When you’re hard of hearing, social events can be undeniably difficult. But, did you know that even mild hearing loss can also double your risk of dementia, while severe hearing loss may almost triple it? Scientists think that this is due to the extra strain on other areas of your brain to comprehend sounds which, over time, can lead to weakened links and dementia. As such, if you constantly ask people to repeat themselves or turn up the television, then it’s important to seek hearing aids as soon as possible. It’s also important to look for a hearing aid repair service locally to ensure that those devices are always in top nick, and that poor hearing never leaves you at higher risk of dementia.
# 2 – Eating your faculties away
Most of us understand the importance of a proper diet to avoid things like heart disease. However, studies are increasingly discovering links between dementia and diet in a variety of ways. A French study particularly revealed an increased risk of dementia in those who ate processed meats alongside high-carb starchy foods. Experts have also discovered some links between issues like high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease and increased dementia risk/ You can largely manage this risk with a dementia-friendly healthy eating diet, which includes plenty of green leafy vegetables, berries, and whole grains.
# 3 – Struggling to stay friends
Studies consistently reveal that loneliness, especially in later life and for extended periods, can double the risk of dementia. It’s also worth noting that experts are beginning to believe that depression, which often results from extended loneliness, can also increase the risks of dementia if left untreated for a long time. It’s therefore vital that you look for local groups and maintain friendships wherever possible, especially as you age. It’s also important to visit a doctor if you experience an unusually low mood for two or more weeks.
Dementia is a condition that we all want to avoid. But, have you been inadvertently putting yourself in the firing line by leaving these risk factors unchecked?
