Dementia – Is it More Common in the Elderly?

TribecaCare
30th Jan 2025

Dementia Affects the Elderly more than Younger People

However, it is not restricted to the elderly

Although associated with old age, Dementia need not affect all older
people. Since the disease is caused by the destruction of nerve cells in the
brain, doctors will first try to pinpoint the underlying causes of such
damage. Age is definitely one factor and anyone over the age of 60/65 may
be at risk for Dementia. A series of minor strokes in a younger person may
be the cause of vascular dementia, as well as similar conditions brought on
by a bad fall and head injury.

Some risk factors for dementia as you start ageing

People who are chronic sufferers of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
and High Blood Sugar (Diabetes). Lifestyle patterns and habits such as
smoking and drinking can also carry a risk potential of getting Dementia.
Other causes can be obesity, lack of exercise and the lack of a healthy,
balanced diet. Even more risky is social isolation and loneliness. An older
person, in particular, can be at risk for Dementia if he or she lives alone
and does not have social engagement.

Dementia is progressive

The symptoms of Dementia generally get worse over time. There can be
some co-relation of this degeneration with the patient’s other health
conditions as well as the underlying causes of the illness and his or her
cognitive abilities before getting ill. The gradual deterioration of a person
from a functioning, participative member of the family to a person who can
no longer recognize a son or daughter, may lose control of bladder or
bowel movements, be unable to dress or eat or walk steadily – this kind of
situation is just as heartbreaking for caregivers as it is for the person who is
suffering.
Can you prevent dementia?

There is no proven way to avert dementia, but living a healthy and active
life is believed to help avoid degeneration of brain cells and hence, delay
the onset of dementia.

Brain activity: First and foremost, doctors recommend keeping your mind
active: reading; spending time in solving puzzles and word games, writing.
A few minutes spent every day jotting down thoughts or even keeping a
diary is good brain exercise.

Physical activity: It is also recommended by doctors to engage in at least
150 minutes of physical exercise in a week. This may be as simple as
walking or swimming and it not necessary to spend hours in the gym in
order to get regular exercise.

Social Activity: It is equally important to have friends and engage in some
kind of social interaction on a regular basis. Going to clubs, joining social
groups, planning and doing group activities, conversation – these are now
regarded as essential for delaying the onset of dementia.

No smoking: Medical research and studies now indicate that smoking in
middle age increases the risk of dementia because of its adverse effect on
bloods vessel health and the development of plaque. Constricted blood
vessels in the brain can aggravate dementia.

Vitamin D Deficiency: Medical research now indicates that consistently
low levels of Vitamin D can also lead to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease
and dementia. It is possible to increase Vitamin D levels with certain foods,
supplements and sun exposure.

A healthy, balanced diet: Eat healthy to be healthy, there is no alternative
to that. Fruits, green vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish – all of these help
keep your body and mind healthy. Less intake of alcohol, sugar and
processed foods are also recommended.

Restful sleep of at least 8 hours every night: Good quality sleep is a
great way to stay healthy. Chronic lack of sleep or sleep which is
intermittent and broken does not give enough rest to the body, and this has
an adverse effect on the brain cells. If you suffer from conditions such as
sleep apnea and snoring, which not only disturb sleep but also can deprive
oxygen flow to the brain – you must be treated by a doctor.