Number of dementia cases set to triple in next 20 years
Expert shares lifestyle changes that can help reduce risk
Taking precautions against known risks is not a strange step MARY JORDAN
IN DODGING DEMENTIA
DEMENTIA is on the rise with cases expected to triple in the next two decades.
There are currently 55,000 people diagnosed in Ireland and that number is expected to reach 150,000 by 2050, due to a growing and ageing population.
We all know someone suffering and it is typically devastating for those affected and their families. But what is causing it? And are there ways we can avoid it?
A new book by expert Mary Jordan claims you can mitigate the risk of developing dementia by understanding the causes and making lifestyle changes.
Mary – who worked for many years for the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK – is the founder of Adapt Dementia, dedicated to helping people find better ways to live with the condition.
Her book, Dodging Dementia, gives risk factors and methods to “dodge” what may not be inevitable.
She explains how trauma, genetics, social isolation and diseases such as diabetes play a part, adding: “We still do not know the actual ‘cause’ of dementia.
Even if you take all the steps outlined to reduce our risk, you may still find yourself in a few years time hearing you have the dreaded diagnosis.
“But most of us take sensible precaution against risk. We wear a helmet when cycling, or a seat belt in the car.
“Taking precautions against known risks of dementia is not a strange step, especially ones easy to implement.”
Here is Mary’s list of risk factors and advice on dodging dementia that includes getting good sleep, eating oily fish and having a social life.
The most prominent risk factor is age – dementia is a disease of older people.
However, it is not an inevitable result of ageing. A person’s risk of developing the condition rises from one in 14 over the age of 65 to one in six over the age of 80.
Personality and social factors are significant.
Studies show individuals with Alzheimers Disease appear to have had lower levels of social interactivity.
Intelligence level does not seem to be a significant factor, however, formal education helps those with dementia to better retain the ability to pay attention.
Illnesses and traumatic events may pre-dispose people to dementia. Type 2 diabetes is also a major risk factor.
Head trauma and repeated head trauma – such as boxers experience – can result in dementia, even many years later. However, research has found this is not always the case and may happen due to a mix of injury with the carrying of a specific gene.
A higher risk of vascular dementia – due to lack of blood flow to the brain – can be related to strokes. Type 2 diabetes has specifically been identified as a significant risk factor for age-related dementia. Those with mild cognitive impairment plus diabetes are three times more likely to develop it.
Physical exercise is key to reducing risk. Exercise increases oxygen levels to the brain, improves cognition and benefits the cardiovascular system.
Eating oily fish is considered to be protective, as is a diet rich in proteins and fats and limiting alcohol intake.
Increasing the quality and quantity of sleep, looking at ways to reduce stress and reducing social isolation are all steps that can make a difference.
■■Dodging Dementia is out now, priced at €26 in Dubray Books and Easons.