5 habits to prevent dementia

Dementia is a syndrome of memory loss, affecting the ability to think, reason, and perform daily activities. The disease is common in the elderly, causing damage or loss of connections between nerve cells in the brain.

The disease is caused by many factors such as diseases (Alzheimer’s, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, low blood pressure, high blood fat, stroke, depression), stimulant use, alcohol abuse, chemical or heavy metal poisoning. Having a family member with dementia can increase the risk of this disease in other members.

Dr. Than Thi Minh Trung, a neurologist at Tam Anh General Clinic in District 7 and Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that there is currently no way to completely cure this disease, but early detection and timely treatment help control the risk and slow down the rate of progression or complications.

Dr. Trung suggests some of the following ways to help reduce the risk of dementia.

Brain Training Regularly do puzzles, read books and newspapers, play guessing games like catch the word, play chess or Chinese chess. These activities stimulate the brain to work, promote the adrenal glands to increase the secretion of cortisol hormone in moderate amounts, which helps improve memory.

Exercise and play in moderation because if you overdo it, it can easily cause stress. At this time, the level of cortisol hormone increases, eroding the activity of nerve cells in the hippocampus (located in the temporal lobe of the brain, the function of storing memories and shaping cognition), increasing the risk of dementia and its complications.

Physical activity and social interaction Helps relax, reduce stress, supports increased blood circulation to the brain, stimulates brain activity. If there are no special health problems or the doctor has prescribed limited movement, the elderly should exercise regularly, increase social interaction, avoid sitting in one place for a long time or staying in the room.

Exercise at least 150 minutes per week or brisk walking for 30-45 minutes three times per week or other appropriate exercise as directed by your neurologist.

Good control of underlying disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, high blood fat prevent the risk of stroke, factors leading to dementia. Stabilizing treatment of underlying diseases also improves overall health, reduces stress, supports the elderly to stay happy and excited, and prevents dementia.

Scientific nutrition is an important part of improving memory, concentration, and mental clarity. The elderly should supplement and balance nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Increase foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, nuts, olive oil, avocados; vitamin D such as seafood, milk, eggs. Vitamin B is found in animal liver, beans, eggs, milk and dairy products; vitamin C from citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, guava, berries, green vegetables and fresh fruits is also essential. These foods play a role in maintaining brain health, preventing Alzheimer’s disease – the cause of dementia.

Supplementing natural essences from blueberry and ginkgo biloba helps increase blood flow to the brain, reduce headaches, insomnia, stress, improve memory and dementia.

Get enough sleep 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night helps the brain and nervous system stay healthy, reducing the risk of dementia. However, many elderly people often have little sleep, insomnia or sleep disorders. The causes are due to aging, underlying diseases, side effects of certain medications, diet, living environment… Patients should go for examination and treatment to avoid long-term danger.

Dementia can affect each patient in different ways, and symptoms tend to worsen over time. In severe cases, patients need care and support from relatives to perform daily activities. Dr. Minh Trung noted that relatives need to be attentive, thorough, talk to and encourage the patient’s spirit regularly. The family should take the patient to follow-up appointments with a neurologist and help the patient take the correct dose of medication. People with signs of dementia or unusual, sudden memory loss should see a doctor.