A progressive, chronic loss of mental function is termed dementia. It is a group of symptoms and causes rather than a disease. The two categories of Dementia are Alzheimer’s and non-Alzheimers. The latter includes Pick’s disease, Parkinson’s, and Lewy body dementia. In some cases, mixed signs are visible. 

What Are The Symptoms?

Early Signs

Some of the early signs of dementia include repeating things, forgetfulness, and misplacing stuff. Even things as seemingly insignificant as time and date confusions and trouble finding words are signs. If moods, behavior, and interests change rapidly, it’s time to consult.

Later Signs

When dementia reaches its advanced stages, memory worsens. There is trouble talking, completing simple tasks, and neglecting hygiene. Also, one may lose balance and fall. There isn’t an ability left to solve problems, followed by changing sleeping patterns. Later signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia include agitation, frustration, anxiety, confusion, and disorientation. An uncommon symptom is hallucinations. 

Can The Risk Of Dementia Be Lowered?

Yes, with appropriate lifestyle changes, it is possible to prevent dementia. Even if a person reaches early signs, here’s how you can delay later signs. 

Learn Something New Regularly

It is best to keep the mind stimulated. Learning new things every day helps a lot. Further, studies show that people who practice puzzles have a more active brain. Whether one can organize, multitask, communicate, or interact, the risk of dementia reduces. 

Here are the tips to stay sharp. First, one can learn to play a musical instrument and study a new language. Next, reading helps a lot, whether it’s newspapers, magazines, or novels. With that, memorization games can interest some. Do some crossword puzzles or play games. 

Lower Stress

Cutting the stress from life is essential to stay fit. It keeps the brain healthy and prevents dementia in later life. Moreover, nothing good results from worrying and stressing over the future. Studies suggest that stress worsens human health and is responsible for feeling overwhelmed. Also, forgetfulness comes from anxiety and mental pressure. 

Social Connections And Intellectual Activity

Surround yourself with joyful family members and friends. But why isn’t isolation encouraged? It is a silent killer and may lead to Alzheimer’s disease in the long run. So, staying social keeps the mind stimulated and active. 

Maximize social meetings and avoid stress through yoga classes, meditation, and relaxation. One may even join a club or volunteer. Also, a class that connects people who share common interests is a good idea. Keep meeting friends and get to know neighbors. 

Offer The Right Food To Thoughts

Food has a direct effect on the brain. Research suggests that fruits, lean protein, and veggies offer the necessary nutrients. Further, these foods provide a steady power source and decrease inflammation. Healthy fats keep the brain stress-free and enriched. 

Glial cells present in the human brain remove toxins. These also play a vital role in dementia development. The National Institute of Health advises that fatty fish, soy, and berries like blueberries are good. Ginger, green tea, grains, eggs, and lentils protect glial cells from getting damaged. But you should avoid certain foods. Animal fats, saturated fats, salt, and sugar are among them. 

Dementia And Excessive Drinking, Smoking

Excessive consumption of alcohol is a major factor for dementia. For all kinds of Alzheimer’s and dementia, it poses a risk. According to trusted research, it even leads to early-onset dementia.  Smoking increases the risk of dementia. Especially if a person is older than sixty-five and regularly smokes, the chances rise. But how is smoking responsible for brain diseases? It affects blood circulation throughout the body, including the brain blood vessels. If smoking is hard to quit, consulting a doctor for smoke cessation programs is beneficial. 

Manage Overall Health

You can considerably reduce the risk of dementia if you stay in good shape. So, it is wise to get a yearly physical checkup done. If there are symptoms of hearing loss, depression, and sleep issues, consult a doctor. Also, existing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and high cholesterol should stay managed. 

Apart from them, you should avoid long-term drug use or alcohol. Poor diet and obesity are other risk factors. Also, a sedentary lifestyle, repeated head blows, and smoking can result in dementia. It is a gradual blurring of the mind. So, prevent them from early on in life. 

Conclusion

While causes like obesity and smoking may develop dementia, remember that some reasons are beyond control. There is a treatment that delays complications. But, there isn’t a cure so far. Hence, it’s best to keep the brain cells active from early life. Exercising and good food are essential to staying healthy. But, most of all, socializing, reading, and solving puzzles can enhance cognitive activity.