Dementia care: Doing this easy-to-do activity daily could significantly reduce your risk

Dementia care: There are believed to be over 850,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia. Symptoms of the illness typically include memory loss, difficulties with thinking and language. While the illness mostly affects elderly people, a whopping 40,000 younger people in the UK are believed to be affected by dementia.

However, a new study has found that wearing masks could protect against air pollution, thereby warding off early signs of the degenerative disease.

Experts have advised the use of face coverings to filter out dirty air, following findings from a study which linked pollution to dementia.

Doctor Rachel Shaffer, lead author of the study, said: “This study adds to evidence of the link between microscopic air pollution and dementia, which can be tackled.

“There are some things that individuals can do, such as mask-wearing, which is becoming more normalised now because of COVID-19.

READ MORE: Dementia care: Apathy is an early sign of the condition according to latest study

“But it is not fair to put the burden on individuals alone. These data can support further policy action on the local and national level to control source of particulate air pollution.”

The study, which gathered data from more than 4,000 people over the age of 65, looked at small pollution particles called PM2.5, known to derive from heavy industry.

Researchers have suggested particles of air pollution can enter the brain and damage the cellular barrier which normally keeps toxins out.

This could cause inflammation of the brain, which increases the likelihood of developing dementia.

DON’T MISS: Dementia care: Sleep disturbances, memory loss and difficulty planning are key early signs

The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found the risk of dementia was higher in men, possibly because men are affected differently by dementia.

According to the National Office for statistics, dementia is the second biggest killer in the UK after heart disease.

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, and many include memory loss, difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.

Problems with day-to-day memory are often the first symptom to be noticed, but other signs may include finding the right words, making decisions, or perceiving things in three-dimensions.

How to prevent dementia

Although some risk factors for dementia, such as age and genes are impossible to change, making simple lifestyle changes could decrease the risk of the condition significantly. According to the NHS, some lifestyle habits to adopt include:

Exercise: Older adults who do not exercise are more likely to have problems with memory or thinking

Alcohol: Drinking excessive amount of alcohol increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and some cancers, as well as damaging the nervous system, including the brain. The NHS recommends limiting consumption to 14 units of alcohol a week.

Smoking: Smoking causes the arteries to constrict, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Health experts recommend avoiding cigarette smoke.

A recent study also suggested that eating foods rich in flavonoids could ward off early signs of cognitive impairment.

Flavonoids are a group of plant metabolites thought to provide health benefits through cells signalling pathways and antioxidant effects.

Researchers found that anthocyanins, coloured-water pigments found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24 percent reduction in risk.

The findings of the study also showed that flavones, a type of flavonoid found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, were associated with a 38 percent reduction in risk.

Post source Daily Express

Last Updated on August 4, 2021 by shalw

You May Also Like

James Martin didn’t know he had dyslexia until he was 30 – the symptoms

When in conversation with Radio 1 host Mollie King who also has…

Want To Reduce Stubborn Belly Fat? Eat An Avocado A Day

Daily avocado consumption can change fat distribution, leading to reduction in deeper…

Is Nurse Lucy Letby Innocent Or Guilty ? What Is The Evidence

Is Nurse Lucy Letby Innocent or Guilty – CHILDREN’S nurse Lucy Letby…

Children in Toronto 1st in Canada to receive pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, local officials say

City officials said 10 COVID-19 shots were provided ‘ahead of a limited number of youth vaccination appointments on Wednesday and a large number of vaccinations on Thursday.’