HEALTH SPECIAL....Beat Dementia

Beat Dementia
 

Dementia has no cure, but you can cut the risk. Playing an instrument can help 

    In the next three years, India is expected to race ahead of the US to become the country with the maximum dementia patients. The stats found a mention in the Dementia India Report 2010 prepared by the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI).
    Together with the World Alzheimer Report 2012, it estimates that the number of people with dementia above the age of 60 in India will rise from the current 3.7 million to 4.41 million by 2015.
    There are two major types of dementia — Alzheimer’s disease, a condition in which parts of the brain waste away, and Vascular dementia caused by inadequate blood flow to the brain. Sufferers typically experience symptoms such as memory loss and personality change. “In some cases, it’s genetic,” says Dr Bob Lister, chairman of London Metropolitan University’s Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition. “Patients with either type of dementia often have parents who suffer from the same condition.” There is presently no cure for dementia. But research has uncovered ways we can all decrease its risk. 

ANTI-DEMENTIA  8 FOLD PATH

Sharpen your mind: Mental exercises strengthen the brain. Studies have found that solving puzzles can reduce dementia onset. Frequent mental activity creates connections between nerve cells in the brain, making them more resistant to deterioration. Evidence suggests those with higher levels of education develop symptoms later in life, say experts. Expand your mind by learning an instrument or reading a good book.

Do as the Japs do: Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent both, Alzheimer’s and Vascular dementia. Recent studies have found that nations such as Japan, with diets high in fish, have lower rates of the diseases in addition to longer life expectancies. Eat oily fish such as tuna, sardines and mackerel.

Keep yourself active: Looking after your heart is the first step to protecting your brain. It’s all about blood flow. The brain uses 20 per cent of the oxygen in the blood pumped around your body. 20 minutes of any cardiovascular exercise a day will help improve your health.

Limit junk food: According to Dr Lister, a well-balanced diet and healthy weight are essential in the fight against dementia. Foods low in saturated fat, like wholegrains and lean meats, keep cholesterol and blood pressure low. A recent New Scientist report linked blood sugar diabetes, caused by diets high in sugar, and Alzheimer’s. Eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.  

Take it easy: If you’re struggling with stress, it might save your future health if you learn to manage it better. Studies suggest that depression can lead to dementia. If you’re struggling to cope with stress or are feeling down, you should speak to your neighbourhood doctor.

Get better sleep: Getting plenty of shuteye is vital for your brain. Disordered sleep patterns in mid to late life may affect the protein amyloidbeta, associated with Alzheimer’s.

Cut out booze and cigarettes: “Common habits that can kill off your brain cells include smoking and drinking too much,” Dr Lister says. Quitting smoking improves circulation in the brain almost instantly. And when it comes to boozing, make sure you remember your daily limits — three to four units for men and two to three units for women.

Get out and socialise: Maintaining an active social life can help delay the onset of dementia. Some scientists believe that by keeping socially active, this may help strengthen the brain’s connections so that they’re more resilient to damage later in life.
    — Daily Mirror with MM 121130