Dementia is the general term for a group of brain disorders that cause problems with memory and thinking. The most common cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are other forms, too.
Symptoms can include forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation, trouble with speech and writing, problems with tasks, getting lost in familiar places, and trouble concentrating. Symptoms tend to be very mild at first and then worsen over time.
Currently, there are no proven ways to prevent dementia, but physical activity, a healthy diet, and social interaction are a few actions that seem to help keep the brain healthy.
10 Healthy Brain Habits
- Keep your mind active and challenged – try a new skill or something creative, read a book. Try to stay involved socially as well – this can include volunteering, meeting with someone for coffee, staying active in your place of worship (if applicable)
- Further your education – take a class at your local library or online. Oftentimes there are free courses available
- Stay physically active by doing something you enjoy – walking, yoga, gardening, swimming – Remember to check with your provider before starting a new exercise routine.
- Quit smoking
- Work with your healthcare provider to achieve/maintain control of your blood pressure
- Work with your healthcare provider to prevent or achieve/maintain control of Type 2 Diabetes
- Eat healthy foods – vegetables, lean protein, less processed foods, etc. Talk with your healthcare provider about any specific dietary modifications that may be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight – obtain guidance from your healthcare provider about what a healthy weight is for you
- Get good quality sleep – evaluate your sleep hygiene, make sure to work with your healthcare provider to manage any sleep-related problems (like sleep apnea)
- Head injury prevention – wear a helmet when appropriate, wear a seatbelt, prevent falls
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's & Dementia
- Memory loss that interferes with daily life – like forgetting the answer to a question and having to repeatedly ask, or forgetting a significant event/date
- Difficulty making/following a plan or solving a problem – like following a recipe you’ve made many times
- Challenges with performing previously considered “simple” tasks – like making a grocery list or driving to a frequently visited place
- Confusion with place/time – not knowing where you are/how you got there, forgetting the current season
- Vision changes – trouble reading, balance issues, trouble driving
- Speech and writing problems –difficulty following a conversation, calling things by the incorrect name
- Forgetting where you put things – putting things in uncommon places, may accuse other people of stealing due to not being able to find an item
- Decreased judgement – decreased self-care/grooming, poor judgement with money management
- Withdrawal from work and social life
- Personality and mood changes – irritability, suspicious, anxious, fearful, etc.
To learn more, you can visit the Alzheimer's Association website at www.alz.org or call their toll-free line in the US at 1-800-272-3900. Don’t ignore any of these warning signs in yourself or others. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and any possible treatment options.
Resources:
- UpToDate
- org