Taking the MOOC, Understanding Dementia, from the University of Tasmania and the Wikking Centre, has really taught me a great deal.
This unit, currently, is about the Risks of Dementia, and later I'll bring up ideas for possibly Combating Dementia (but that will be in another post coming up).
So, the risks. What are they?
Aging.
With Aging (which is seen as a negative but usually non-reversible) it seems that about 5% of the population begins to exhibit forms of dementia between their 60's and 70's. By the 80's, this rises to 25%, and the other 75% of the population begins to demonstrate brain changes that shift with the aging process. So, we have a lot to look forward to, don't we!
Vascular Health.
Since the blood feeds the brain, keeping that flow going on a regular and healthy basis is key. This could be a good and vigorous walk, aerobic activity, or anything that helps the heart pump more oxygen to the brain. Those who do not participate on a regular basis tend to have more blood pressure issues, and this actually leads to more problems including a greater risk for dementia. Having any constricted or lack of a good blood flow can help the brain deteriorate at a much more rapid rate.
Obesity.
Well, obviously not doing the hearty workouts, and eating poorly. Now, if you're moderately overweight and still active, then the worry wouldn't be as great, but it's still not taking you out of the running. Obese people tend to have more kidney and vascular problems than the rest, and this can result in poor brain health, leaving it susceptible to dementia, as well as leading to other damage in other bodily regions.
Family History.
If I took notes correctly, then 90% of the population has the genetic probability of holding a gene that could lead to dementia. Look through your family history - if it has occurred, then there is a chance - but there are also mutations that present themselves. The other 10% of the population do have mutations that may help prevent the presence of dementia. This still doesn't prevent their brains from going through the change as they age, though.
Head Injury.
If you've had a severe head injury, or some repeated "bangings about" on your noggin, then you could have some brain damage that could cause you to be more prone to having dementia, as the brain has some weakness in it now. This doesn't guarantee you'll be afflicted, but it could lead to even early onset dementia.
Depression.
There seems to be a correlation between having depression and dementia. Of course, most patients tend to experience the hallmarks of depression at some point, but for those who tend to experience depression throughout their lifetimes, the risk is increased, due to the chemical imbalances.
Neurological Disease.
Physical disorders that are caused by neurological impacts, such as ALS, and Parkinson's, are already demonstrating disorders in the brain. As they progress, and the damage increases in the brain cells, there can be the greater possibility of developing dementia symptoms.
I'm sure you found this quite heart warming. But in the next blogpost, you'll discover there are steps you can take which will decrease your chances of developing dementia.
I look forward to presenting that to you.
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