Dementia is a neurological disease that slowly erodes your memory. While it can affect anyone at any age, it becomes more common with age. About a quarter of those over 65 have signs of dementia.
While the cause of dementia is still not completely understood up to this day, it is thought to be a result of a combination of factors. Dementia is more common in people who have a family history of the disease, experience a stroke or have a head injury. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to slow down the development of dementia.
Know the Signs of Dementia
It’s not always easy to know how to track a dementia patient, or if you or someone you love has dementia. Signs of dementia include poor judgment, inability to recognize people, disorientation, and trouble speaking. You may also notice signs of memory loss such as forgetting what happened a few minutes ago or a recent event.
Eat Right and Exercise Regularly
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you prevent dementia. The brain needs a lot of energy to function well and keep your memory sharp. The brain needs about 20% of the body’s blood and oxygen supply. When you eat healthily, your brain will have the fuel it needs to stay active and lose weight, which helps reduce your risk for dementia
Exercise also helps with memory because it increases blood flow to the brain which enhances neurogenesis, which is the process by which new neurons are created in your brain. Neurogenesis is important for keeping memories fresh. It’s never too late to start an exercise routine or change your eating habits; even if you’re of an older age.
Get Regular Medical Care
One way to slow down dementia and know how to monitor dementia patients is to get regular medical care. This includes getting annual physicals and screenings, following a healthy lifestyle, and maintaining an active social life.
Stay Connected to Social Networks
People who are socially connected often have a higher functioning memory. For example, those who join in group activities or maintain relationships with friends and family have a lower probability of developing dementia. This is because social networks not only keep you engaged with others but also help to stimulate the brain.
The connections that you make with other people actually help your mental health, including your memory. You should continue connecting with others through different types of social media so that you can feel more mentally stimulated.
Monitoring Dementia
Determining whether or not your loved one needs help with regard to conditions like dementia can be difficult. But it’s important to monitor dementia to keep your loved one safe.
There are a lot of things you can do to monitor the said condition, such as checking in on them regularly, talking to their doctor and family members, and making sure they’re taking care of themselves. And if any of these tips make you feel uneasy, it’s probably time to ask for more help.
