Beware of midlife dementia

With the increase in human life expectancy and the increase in the elderly population, there has been a remarkable increase in the disease of dementia, commonly known as ‘senility.’ According to experts, 4 out of every 10 people over the age of 55 are at risk of developing dementia in their later years.

According to a new study, middle age is an important period for potential intervention in dementia, and in particular, the risk factors that affect its development can be prevented by lifestyle changes. According to the study, up to 40 percent of cases can be prevented completely by making lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes have positive effects

Evaluating the study, Prof. Dr. Talip Asil said that some lifestyle changes made in middle age, one of the most critical periods of life, have positive effects on brain functions.

Sleep for 7 hours, train your brain

Prof. Dr. Talip Asil also listed 5 formulas to prevent the onset of dementia:

"Control your weight: Preventing obesity is one of the most important steps to protect cognitive health. Obesity causes health problems such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure, damages the arteries and causes increased inflammation in the brain over time. Research shows that the biggest changes in the blood occur between the ages of 40 and 50, and some inflammatory proteins can accelerate the aging process of the brain and negatively affect future cognitive health. Therefore, our diet is of great importance. The Mediterranean and MIND diets in particular are among the nutritional models that support healthy aging of the brain and protect cognitive functions."

"Exercise at a low intensity: Exercise in middle age may lead to better brain health later in life. Exercise in your 40s may slow the progression of dementia, even if you don't develop it. So exercise slowly and at a low intensity."

“Get at least 7 hours of quality sleep: A study that charted data from half a million people found that seven hours of sleep is ideal for middle-aged and older adults. Those who consistently slept 7 hours a night were found to have better cognitive abilities, including processing speed, visual attention, and memory. Quality sleep is the most effective way to reduce the risk of midlife depression. Those who slept 7 to 9 hours a night regularly had a 22 percent lower risk.”

"Limit drinking and smoking: Especially after the age of 40, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can have serious negative effects on brain health. Excessive alcohol and smoking in middle age increases the burden on the brain. Taking action before the damage accumulates is very important to protect your brain and stay healthy in later years."

"Keep your brain active, strengthen your mind: Learning and remembering work positively on brain function, while increasing the volume of the hippocampus (the region that plays an important role in memory and navigation). In middle age, you can keep your brain sharp by solving sudoku, puzzles or learning a new skill. Participating in crowded conversation networks can activate the neural networks in our brain."

Oral health linked to inflammation and development of dementia

Prof. Dr. Talip Asil also said that studies have shown a connection between oral health and the development of dementia through inflammation. Asil also stated that inflammatory molecules produced by bacteria can travel to the bloodstream and brain through the mouth, and said, "Oral hygiene, flossing and brushing teeth twice a day can prevent gum problems that can more seriously affect middle-aged health."

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Reporter: News Center