Are You at Risk for Dementia?

DementiaDementia is a big problem and growing every day. Ten percent of 65-year olds, 25 percent of 75-year olds, and 50 percent of 85-year olds will get Alzheimer’s disease — at a cost of $60 billion a year to society. Worse, the number of people with Alzheimer’s is predicted to triple in the next few decades. Dementia starts early and takes years to fully degenerate.

Dementia is now the seventh leading cause of death worldwide.

Genes that predispose someone to the development of Alzheimer’s increase risk factors, but those without these genes are not immune to developing the disease. So, how do you tell if you are at a higher risk?

First, consider your symptoms. Dementia doesn’t happen overnight. It is characterized by gradual changes in the brain.

Some common signs of neurodegeneration include:

• Memory impairment

• Difficulty with language and forming words

• Problems with object recognition

• Motor activity difficulties

• Problems planning and organizing

Next, you should consider the risk factors for dementia and consider dealing with the ones that exist in your life before they result in decline.

These risk factors can include:

1. Memory loss — This is not a normal part of aging, but greater age does come with a higher risk of dementia

2. Alcohol & tobacco use

3. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

4. High levels of LDL (bad) Cholesterol

5. Type-2 Diabetes

6. Genetic Predisposition

7. Hypertension

8. Depression & Social Isolation – Depression doubles the risk of Alzheimer’s in females & in males the risk is four times greater

9. Gaps in Early Education

10. Obesity, prediabetes, or other related conditions

11. Physical Inactivity – Exercise is a great way to modify disease

12. High Stress Levels

13. Poor Quality of Sleep (Sleep Apnea can triple your risk of Alzheimer’s)

The presence of risk factors does not mean disease is unavoidable, but they do raise the probability of disease, chronic illness, and a generally poor quality of life. Integrative Health Matters is passionate about preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s and in fact offers a specialized program designed to slow symptoms related to dementia.

The nine-month Bredesen Protocol Wellness Program is designed to improve cognition and reverse the effects of cognitive decline. If you’re experiencing these symptoms or risk factors in your life, contact us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our Bredesen Program.

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