Wish to defend your mind as you age? Neurologist Dr Arun Shah shares 3 way of life adjustments that will decrease dementia danger

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Arun Shah, Director – Neurosciences, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, defined how elements resembling hypertension, diabetes, smoking and excessive ldl cholesterol can have an effect on mind well being and contribute to dementia danger. (Also learn: ‘I drink black coffee daily’: Oncologist shares 6 research-backed advantages, from mind well being to longevity )

“Dementia can be defined as the decline in cognitive functioning of an individual due to abnormalities or damage in the brain. It leads to memory loss, confusion, communication difficulties, poor executive function and behaviour changes. Dementia is not considered to be part of normal ageing,” Dr Shah mentioned.

“High blood pressure is called the ‘silent killer’ and leads to a reduction of the blood supply to the brain, resulting in multiple small strokes and thus leading to vascular dementia,” Dr Shah defined.

Other danger elements embody diabetes, smoking, extreme alcohol consumption, weight problems, excessive LDL or levels of cholesterol and former mind harm.

“Smoking can contribute by damaging the blood vessels supplying the brain, raising the blood pressure levels in the process. Moreover, toxins found in cigarette smoke can damage the blood vessel lining,” Dr Shah mentioned. He added that smoking-related oxidative stress and continual irritation can also contribute to adjustments within the mind related to Alzheimer’s illness.

“There are a large number of factors which influence the blood supply and the vessels through which it passes. All of those factors result in a decreased supply of oxygen to the brain, thus causing chronic risks of developing dementia,” Dr Shah mentioned.

Genetics can even affect a person’s susceptibility. People with a household historical past of dementia might have a better underlying danger, which might turn out to be extra regarding when mixed with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes or excessive ldl cholesterol.

A balanced way of life consists of common bodily exercise, a nutritious weight loss program, satisfactory sleep and acceptable administration of circumstances resembling diabetes, hypertension and excessive ldl cholesterol.

The key takeaway is that defending mind well being begins nicely earlier than reminiscence issues seem. Keeping cardiovascular and metabolic danger elements below management could be an necessary a part of sustaining cognitive well being as we age.

Dr. Arun B. Shah is the Director of the Department of Neurosciences at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital. He additionally leads the hospital’s Comprehensive Stroke Centre and gives care by its Multiple Sclerosis and Memory Clinics. Dr. Shah accomplished his MBBS from Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, in 1972. He later pursued an MD in Internal Medicine and DM in Neurology from the identical establishment.

Note to readers: This article is for informational functions solely and never an alternative to skilled medical recommendation. Always search the recommendation of your physician with any questions on a medical situation.