Older Americans Month: The Surprising Key to Avoiding Dementia
As the fourth leading cause of death among individuals ages 70 and older in the United States, dementia is a major national and local health crisis. Among South Carolina residents, more than one in ten of those age 65 and older had a dementia diagnosis and this increased to about one in every two for those 85 and older, according to a 2020 study.
Dementia is defined as a decline in memory or thinking ability that is severe enough to impact daily functioning. Since there is currently no cure for dementia, care is largely focused on preserving quality of life, addressing modifiable risk factors (things we do have control over), and preventing or delaying the progression of cognitive decline. For this reason, early identification of memory and thinking problems is the first step in managing risk.
You may be surprised to know there is a key to avoiding dementia – you! You are your own best shot at preventing dementia.
According to the Lancet Commission on Dementia, a group of experts who examine and advise on the disease, there are 14 things that individuals can do to reduce their chances of dementia by about half. While some dementia risk factors like genetics and age are out of our control, the strategies given by the Commission touch on habits we can improve. Adhering to the below lifestyle tips means you can work to stop dementia before it ever starts!
The Lancet Commission on Dementia’s 14 factors include:
- Pursuing higher education
- Preventing and/or treating hearing loss
- Lowering LDL cholesterol (certain types of fats in the body)
- Avoiding and/or treating depression
- Preventing head injuries with safety practices and the use of helmets
- Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week
- Avoiding sugary foods and refined (or white) bread, rice, or pasta
- Abstaining from or quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding excessive alcohol intake
- Remaining socially active
- Avoiding exposure to air pollutants
- Addressing vision problems
The researchers calculate that if we, as a society and as individuals, can completely address these health and lifestyle factors, it could prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases.
What do all of these factors have in common? You! It’s true! Right now, you have the power to make the necessary changes to cut your chances of dementia in half.
Today, I call you to action. Take charge of your life. Realize that you have the power to improve the life you will live many tomorrows from now. Your primary care provider would be happy to help you identify specific goals for you and create a cognitive care plan. A cognitive care plan is a systematic way to diagnose, manage, and track cognitive decline. This plan is created to help you best manage what may be ahead for your health and well-being.
If you are an older adult or caregiver looking for a senior health care home, HopeHealth provides excellent primary health care services to seniors ages 65 and older. Senior care is offered at a variety of HopeHealth locations, as well as on-site care at Bethea Retirement Community (also open to the public) and The Manor. HopeHealth also offers the Hope Gold program to proactively address senior health by meeting the needs of older adults with chronic conditions. To learn more, visit hope-health.org or call (843) 667-9414.
