Dementia means having trouble thinking, remembering, and reasoning, which makes daily activities difficult. Some people with dementia might also struggle with their emotions and experience personality changes. Dementia can range from mild, where it starts to affect daily life, to severe, where the person needs help with everything, including eating.
While many older people, especially those over 85, may have some form of dementia, it’s not a normal part of getting older. Some people live into their 90s without any dementia signs.
There are different types of dementia, and the most common one is Alzheimer’s disease. The best way to cure dementia problems is to visit the best dementia treatment in Kolkata.
Table of Contents:
● 7 Powerful habits to Slow Down your Dementia Symptoms
● Final Words
● FAQs
Here are 7 Powerful habits to slow down your Dementia Symptoms:
1. Exercise Regularly
According to the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 50%. It can also slow the progression of cognitive problems in those already experiencing them. Exercise protects the brain by helping it maintain existing connections and form new ones. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate weekly exercise, combining cardio and strength training. Walking and swimming are suitable for beginners.
Building muscle is good for your brain. Weight and resistance training increase muscle mass and help maintain brain health, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s in those over 65 by half if done 2-3 times a week.
Balance and coordination exercises can prevent falls, which can lead to head injuries and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. Activities like yoga, Tai Chi, or using balance balls can help.
2. Stay Socially Engaged
Human beings need social connections. Staying socially engaged may protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms. Develop and maintain a solid network of friends:
● Volunteer.
● Join clubs or social groups.
● Visit community or senior centers.
● Take group classes.
● Get to know your neighbors.
● Make weekly plans with friends.
● Go out to public places like parks and museums.
3. Eat Right
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for reducing the risk of dementia and other health problems like cancer, diabetes, obesity, stroke, and heart disease. No single ingredient or food can enhance brain health on its own. Instead, it’s essential to have a balanced diet, which means eating various foods in the proper proportions. The NHS Eatwell guide can help you understand the food groups that comprise a balanced diet. Specific eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean-style diet, have been linked to lower dementia risks.
A healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to eat foods from Mediterranean countries; follow these guidelines:
● Include wholegrain starchy foods (wholemeal bread, rice)
● Eat more fruits, vegetables, pulses (beans, peas, lentils), nuts, and seeds.
● Consume less red meat.
● Eat fish regularly.
● Choose lower-fat dairy options when possible.
● Use vegetable and plant oils like olive oil for cooking and dressing; avoid solid fats like butter.
● Limit salt intake, not more than 6g (about a teaspoon) daily.
● Treat sugary foods as occasional treats, such as pastries, sweets, biscuits, cakes, and chocolate.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking cigarettes significantly increases the risk of dementia by harming blood circulation in the body, affecting the brain, heart, and lungs.
It’s never too late to quit Smoking. Talk to your GP or pharmacist for help, use a specific date or event as motivation, and consider less harmful nicotine products like e-cigarettes, mouth/nasal sprays, or gum.
5. Head to Bed Earlier
Research in Nature Communications reveals that getting less than 6 hours of sleep may increase the risk of dementia. To prevent this cognitive decline, opt for natural sleep solutions to avoid potential issues later in life. A study in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that sleeping pills can contribute to dementia by interfering with the sleep neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
6. Stress Management
Too much stress can harm your brain, affecting memory nerve cell growth and increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, simple stress management tools can help protect your brain. Take deep breaths! Calm stress with deep, belly breathing—it’s a powerful, easy, and free technique.
Make time for relaxation every day. Managing stress requires regular effort. Try meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or yoga to unwind and reverse stress damage.
Nurture inner peace. Regular meditation, prayer, reflection, or religious practice can shield you from stress’s harmful effects. Keep a sense of humor. Laughing, especially at yourself, helps your body fight stress.
7. Control Your Health
What’s good for your heart is good for your brain. Cardiovascular health is crucial for protecting your brain and reducing the risk of dementia.
The best dementia treatment in Kolkata suggests controlling your blood pressure. High blood pressure is highly linked to an increased risk of dementia. Regularly check your blood pressure at home and follow your doctor’s advice.
Take prescribed medications. If your doctor prescribes medicines for high blood pressure, taking them can lower your dementia risk.
Pay attention to low blood pressure. Though less common, low blood pressure can also reduce blood flow to the brain. If you experience symptoms like blurred vision and dizziness, consult your doctor.
Final Words:
Cultivating positive habits can significantly slow down dementia symptoms. Regular exercise, social engagement, a balanced diet, and stress management can improve overall brain health. Adequate and quality sleep, quitting smoking, and maintaining cardiovascular health are equally crucial. It’s never too late to start adopting these habits and seeking professional help, such as the best dementia treatment in Kolkata, which can provide tailored support.
FAQs:
● What is the number one trigger for dementia behavior?
The main trigger for dementia behavior varies, but it can often be related to confusion, frustration, or discomfort.
● How do you calm a dementia patient at night?
To calm a dementia patient at night, create a soothing bedtime routine, keep the environment calm, and ensure the patient is comfortable. Gentle reassurance and soft, calming activities may also help.
● Why do dementia patients get angry at night?
Dementia patients may get angry at night due to confusion, fear, or discomfort. It will help to identify and address the particular cause, use calming techniques, and ensure a safe and comfortable sleep environment.