It brings me no comfort to know that I am one of many of my friends who are dealing with parents who have dementia. In this instance, I wish I could say it's reassuring to know that I'm not alone. It’s not. In fact, it’s very much the opposite.
It pains me to know that others are experiencing the same heart-wrenching challenges I am.
For so many of us, our parents, siblings, and spouses are experiencing loss, fear, and confusion. As of January 1, 2024, it was estimated that 733,040 people in Canada were living with dementia. And every day, more than 350 more develop the condition -- that's more than 15 people every hour, just in Canada!
If you're like me, you worry about your own risk of developing some form of cognitive impairment.
Missed an appointment? Dementia. Forgot what you went looking for? Alzheimer Disease. Can’t find that word you need to hurl at your pickleball opponent? Dementia. Can't remember the neighbour's brother's aunt's cat's name? Dementia.
Because both of my parents had vascular dementia (plus Dad had Alzheimer's), every lapse in my memory and every sarcastic comment from my kids about all that I forget, makes me a bit uncomfortable. Ok, truth be told, I’ve been a bit more than uncomfortable. I’ve been down right terrified -- for years -- that I am headed down that same path.
Fortunately, science has been kind enough to refute my fears.
There are several risk factors associated with dementia. Some of them we can't control, others we can.
Regardless of the level of control, the risk of inheriting dementia is very low. The biggest risk factor for the development and progression of dementia is actually age. Research shows that more than 85% of dementia cases occur in people who are 75 years of age and older. You can’t control your age – although many people try to hide it with Botox, booty lifts and wall Pilates.
In some cases, family history (genetics), can have an impact, but this appears to rare and is associated mostly with Alzheimer Disease and early onset dementia. Genes that increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes seem to be associated with vascular dementia and can be mostly attributed to less-than-perfect lifestyle choices. This means adopting strategies like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep – essentially doing all the things we know we should do – may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Yay!!!
The good news continues....
There are drugs that can help slow the progression of dementia. They work best when prescribed early on. So, it's important to get diagnosed as soon as possible.
Sometimes people present with symptoms of dementia but don't have the disease.
Dementia has no cure. And, because many other conditions can look like dementia, the importance of getting an early and accurate diagnosis in order to get the appropriate care, can't be stressed enough. Seeing a specialist may rule out other possible reasons for cognitive issues for which there may be effective treatment options. Possible causes of dementia-like behaviour may include, but are not limited, to:
Lack of oxygen to the brain and tissues (anoxia or hypoxia)
Bleeding near your brain (subdural hematoma)
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH - excess cerebrospinal fluid in brain chambers)
Deficient diet that does not provide the body with nutritional necessities
Infections
Auto immune disorders
Metabolic disorders (inability to convert nutrients to energy)
Endocrine (hormone) deficiencies
Reactions to individual medications or combinations of medications
Poisoning
Long-time/excessive use of alcohol or recreational drugs
Cancer treatment-related cognitive impairment (“Chemo Brain”)
There are many actions we can take to protect our cognitive health. Check out the list below that is based on information provided by the #Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Lessons Learned
It is less likely that I will develop dementia than I thought - whew!
There are many things I can do to protect my own brain health. Of the12 listed above, I focus on exercise, social interaction (I love people), new learnings, seeing and hearing, and protecting my head in high-risk activities (fashion statement!).
Every moment counts so getting an early and accurate diagnosis is essential.
We can all our protect our brains (and bodies) by making healthy lifestyle choices.
Making good lifestyle choices as early as possible (as in right now) may prevent dementia development - even with a genetic predisposition.
Reliable Resources
Canada's Alzheimer Society has a fabulous resource that everyone should read on
Baycrest's Defy Dementia Podcast, Dementia Risk -- What's DNA Got To Do With It?
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