These 3 things can help Dementia : Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging

Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging

One of the most common concerns we have as we age is whether we may progressively develop dementia or Alzheimer's.

The basic definition of dementia is a decrease in mental function. Don't worry: misplacing your keys or telephone, like I seem to do frequently, is not an indication. What it is, according to AARP, is "a loss of functioning that interferes with daily life," which, in turn, "can diminish focus, attention, language skills, problem-solving, and visual perception."

Is this an inevitable part of aging? Not necessarily, says Dr. Stacy L. Andersen, an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University who studies centenarians (people aged 100 or more). 

This sector of our population is rapidly expanding. According to the Census Bureau, there are currently approximately 101,000 Americans aged 100 or older, with this figure expected to more than quadruple to 422,000 by 2054.

"Many people believe that dementia is a normal part of aging, and although it is an age-related disease, meaning that it is more common among older people than younger people, it is actually related to underlying neurodegenerative diseases that are not a normal part of aging," says Andersen.

Obviously, no two people are comparable, and the rate of cognitive deterioration can vary significantly,” she adds.

 

There are three things you can do.

Individual behavior and lifestyle choices can have a big impact on how bright a person is in their older years. Andersen identifies three factors that can help us stay sharp—maintain cognitive health—beginning with having a strong heart.

"We know that what's good for your heart is also good for your brain," she said. "That means following a heart-healthy diet centered around fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean meats and being physically active while limiting processed foods, red meat, and sedentary behavior."

Obviously, the sooner you embrace such actions in life, the better. But it is never too late to start. I see older people at my gym doing weights, running on the treadmill, and downward dogging in our yoga class. "I love the buzz it gives me," a woman on the mat next to me stated last week. I'm guessing she's 75 and sharp as a tack.

 

Second, habla espanol, anyone? Andersen recommends that you continue to study and attempt new things. "Take up a new activity that you've always wanted to do, such as learning a new language, learning how to operate a computer, or getting into digital photography. Activities that take your entire attention and focus are more likely to help build your brain networks than inactive ones."

 

Finally, remain connected. One of the worst aspects of the pandemic was how it affected our social lives. Keeping our distance from others, avoiding getting together with friends, and so on may have helped to slow the spread of the virus, but it also exacerbated social isolation, which can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. In fact, it should come as no surprise that social isolation and loneliness have been related to not only an increased risk of dementia but also a variety of other physical and mental disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and suicide.

 

“You should take part in social activities,” Andersen says. "Social activities strengthen your social networks, which are important for social support and stress relief, and listening to and appreciating diverse perspectives builds your cognitive networks."

Phone calls and Zoom chats are acceptable, but I believe there is nothing better than meeting someone in person over a cup of coffee. Or go for a walk with a pal. At the Starbucks around the corner from me, a group of senior men in their late 60s and early 70s meets on a daily basis for coffee and chat. The room is overflowing with laughter and goodwill.

Study after study tells us that the benefits of socializing and being in the company of others—family and friends—cannot be overestimated.

There is no certainty that we will be able to avoid cognitive decline as we age. However, we may increase our chances of staying sharp by changing our actions, habits, and ideas.

"Some people are able to maintain very high levels of cognitive function with very minimal changes even into their 80s," Andersen says, providing the foundation for research into "cognitive superegos." Even people far older than that can stay smart.


"Many centenarians, people over the age of 100 years, are not only cognitively healthy until the very end of life, but they are continuing to enjoy life and embrace it every day," she points out.