The aging of the population is becoming an increasingly common reality. The body changes and with it the health problems so typical of the elderly begin. Chile is a country that in recent years has seen its elderly population increase and, consequently, dementia is a growing concern.
Dr Aaron Lam is a postdoctoral researcher at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and has revealed How to care for dementia and how a common aging problem can be a sign of dementia and should be treated immediately.
According to the Ministry of Health (Minsal), Dementia is an acquired and chronic condition, characterized by a deterioration of various brain functions, without distinction of sex and economic situation, which is accompanied by cognitive, psychological symptoms and behavioral changes.
These symptoms impact on people’s ability to carry out their usual activities, may require support from third parties and even compromise their autonomy and family and social participation.
Dr Aaron Lam, who studies sleep patterns and the onset and progression of dementia, told Daily Mail that “although prevention cannot be guaranteed, we know there are a number of steps we can take to reduce the risk of dementia”.
Among them, Diet and lifestyle are essential to prevent cognitive decline. However, he warned that hearing loss, Often overlooked compared to other health conditions, it is a common reality among older people, with implications that go beyond the simple ability to perceive sounds.
It is estimated that By the year 2050 there will be more than 900 million people in the world with hearing loss, which corresponds to one in 10 people. In Chile, hearing loss affects 1,160,126 people who require hearing aids to improve their functionality. Of these, 2/3 are over 65 years old according to the Minsal.
The hearing loss It can make it difficult to communicate with others, which can lead to social withdrawal and a decrease in meaningful social interactions. This lack of social and cognitive stimulation has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia and other cognitive disorders.
On the contrary, it has been shown that the use of hearing aids can help protect against this risk. By providing sound amplification and improving hearing ability, hearing aids can facilitate better communication and participation in social activities. This in turn can help maintain cognitive and social stimulation, which could have a positive impact on long-term cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia.
Regarding food, Dr. Lam recommended adhere to the Mediterranean diet, which is a meal plan inspired by the traditional cuisine of Greece, Italy and other countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. While this diet is primarily plant-based, it also includes other foods of animal origin.
“In terms of diet and eating, the results have been a bit mixed, but if an individual wants to make dietary changes, the general consensus is that a Mediterranean diet can be beneficial,” Dr. Lam said.
According to numerous studies, the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest ways to eat.as it can prevent heart attacks and strokes, delay Parkinson’s, reduce the risk of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, dementia and cognitive decline, and risks in pregnancy.
The Harvard Nutrition Source explains that Each plate focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and seeds, with some nuts and emphasis on extra virgin olive oila type of monounsaturated fat rated as good.
Animal proteins are eaten in smaller quantities and The favorite is fish and seafood. Its consumption, at least twice a week, also includes animal proteins from poultry, eggs and dairy products such as cheese or yogurt, although the latter in smaller portions. Red meat is limited to a few times a month.
The fruits and vegetables you should eat to follow the Mediterranean diet are: apples, berries, broccoli, kale, mushrooms, onions, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumber, melon, oranges, spinach, turnips, figs, grapefruit , grapes, peaches, pears, peppers and/or pumpkins.
Regarding day-to-day habits, Dr. Lam revealed that comparative studies showed that Older adults who quit smoking may experience a lower chance of developing dementia in the future, compared to those who continue smoking.
Research has found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, plaque buildup in blood vessels, chronic inflammation, and oxidative damage in the brain, all of which are factors that can contribute to the development of dementia. Additionally, smoking has been linked to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which can negatively impact brain cell health and cognitive processes.
A South Korean investigation previously found that Smokers face a 20% increased risk of developing dementia when they reach old age. On the other hand, quitting smoking can have positive effects on brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. Additionally, some studies have suggested that the risk of dementia decreases as time passes since a person quits smoking, suggesting that brain health benefits may continue long after smoking has been quit.
And just as smoking increases the risk, so does the alcohol that often accompanies it. “Excessive alcohol consumption is related to brain changes and dementia,” Dr. Lam added. “A large longitudinal study followed more than 9,000 participants for 20 years and showed that drinking more than 21 standard drinks per week was associated with a substantially increased risk of dementia.”
Finally, getting enough sleep is essential for brain health. Lack of sleep or poor quality sleep can contribute to health problems that increase the risk of dementia, such as the buildup of beta-amyloid protein plaques in the brain, which has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, insufficient sleep can negatively impact cognitive function and memory, which can increase the risk of long-term cognitive decline and dementia.
During sleep, the brain carries out important cleaning and repair processes, eliminating toxins and consolidating memory and learning. Good quality sleep can also help regulate hormone and neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can have a positive impact on cognitive function and mood.
It is recommended to sleep seven to nine hours each night and maintain a good circadian rhythm.
