Just a brief glimpse
Firstly, Dementia is definitely not a natural part of aging! It is a mistaken belief! Although it is right that dementia mostly affects the elderly, and the chances of being diagnosed with dementia before 65 years are small, younger people can and do develop what has become known as ‘young-onset dementia’.
In the UK, about 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 have dementia. The number of people with dementia is increasing due to population growth and aging, and is expected to rise to over 1 million by 2025 and there are around 70,800 people under the age of 65 with dementia (Young Onset Dementia)
Can you stave off developing Dementia? While there is no sure way to prevent dementia, however, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk, below including:
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
- Social connections: Stay connected with friends and family and try to maintain an active social life.
- Mental activity: Stay mentally active by reading, learning new languages, playing an instrument, volunteering, or trying new hobbies.
- Protect your brain: Reduce your alcohol, tobacco, and other drug consumption, and protect your head from injury.
- Take care of your heart: Control high blood pressure, manage blood sugar, and keep your blood pressure healthy.
- Sleep well: Good sleep is important for brain health.
- Take care of your hearing and vision: Treat hearing problems and take care of your vision.
- Some say that the key to maintaining healthy brain function is discipline and keeping a routine
Most people ask if dementia can be prevented? NHS state that ‘research concluded that by modifying the risk factors we are able to change, around 4 in 10 cases of dementia could be prevented’.
Experts agree that what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain. This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by:
- eating a balanced diet
- maintaining a healthy weight
- exercising regularly
- keeping alcohol within recommended limits
- stopping smoking
- keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level
Link to NHS video: Living with Dementia: https://youtu.be/qghTQxnVaMk
Contact Butterfly Days Today
If you’re in need of home care services in Lowestoft or surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Butterfly Days. We offer free consultations to discuss your needs and provide a tailored care plan that suits you or your loved one’s lifestyle. Call us today on 01502 391411 or fill out our online form to arrange a consultation.
