Within the framework of the World Alzheimer’s Daywhich is commemorated this September 21stthe specialists recommended attending to the risk factor control which may predispose to the development of this disease and other types of dementia, and stressed the importance of doing so from an early age with non-pharmacological interventions linked to diet, physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.
44 million people live with dementia in the world
Alzheimer’s represents among 60% and 70% of all cases of dementia. More than 44 million people worldwide live with dementiawhich makes it a global health crisis And every year, nearly 100,000 people are diagnosed worldwide. 10 million new cases of dementia.
“In Argentina, Alzheimer’s affects nearly 300,000 people and is the fifth cause of deathCognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s and dementia in general are multifactorial disorders that require a multidisciplinary approach“, said Dr. Janus Kremer, neurologist, Director of the Kremer Institute of Neuropsychiatry in Córdoba.
Factors of the disease
Although the mechanisms involved in its development are not yet fully understood, some have been identified. Alzheimer’s risk factors that are non-modifiable, such as older age, family history of Alzheimer’s, genetic predisposition, and the presence of mild cognitive impairment.
On the other hand, multiple reviews of the literature and various meta-analyses made it possible to determine, as published by The Lancet, that there are 14 factors common to all dementias that are modifiable:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Physical inactivity
- Hearing loss
- Visual loss
- Social isolation
- Depression
- Low educational level
- Head bumps
- Environmental pollution.
- Increased LDL cholesterol
“The best strategy to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease is maintain a healthy quality of life from the earliest possible age, and this includes behaviors related to increased physical activity, participating in social gatherings and doing activities that stimulate the brain, adopting healthy eating patterns, maintaining an adequate body weight, not smoking and moderating alcohol intake, visiting the doctor periodically (with eye check-ups being a preventive intervention that until recently was not taken into account) and taking the medications prescribed by the doctor in a timely manner,” described Dr. María Cecilia Fernández, neurologist and head of the Memory and Behavior Disorders section at the Italian Hospital in Buenos Aires.
Healthy diet and nutritional supplements
Among the interventions related to the feedingthe adoption of a diet that includes fish and other seafood, white meat, olive oil, fresh vegetables and fruits, and dairy products. There are studies that have shown that the Mediterranean diet, specifically, is associated with a reduction of up to 40% in the risk of developing cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s.
“This balanced, varied and nutritious diet strategy helps maintain an adequate body weight and prevent a number of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and dementia, especially if implemented early, in the initial stages or even before the development of the disease. In any case, it is never too late to improve your lifestyle,” added Dr. Janus Kremer.
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Within the framework of the non-pharmacological interventionsthe incorporation of a nutritional supplement that includes omega 3, choline, uridine monophosphate, vitamins of group B, C, E and selenium – which has been scientifically proven to improve synapses (neural connections) – can contribute to prevent or delay the progression of conditions related to cognitive decline and dementia.
“The measures included in this set of recommendations should be implemented as soon as possible – the sooner the better – and sustained over time. They should ideally be started before symptoms of deterioration begin to appear. They can be extremely useful in contributing to improving health and quality of life,” said Dr. Fernández, who is also Head of Cognitive Neurology at the Italian Hospital.
Multidisciplinary approach
Both specialists agreed that, once the risk factors for developing dementia have been clearly established, “the key is to identify patients at risk and take the necessary preventive measures. In this regard, It is necessary for clinical doctors, cardiologists, gynecologists, gerontologists and other specialties to have a holistic, comprehensive view of the health of their patients and to be able to consider this problem before it appears.“In addition to early detection of any type of mild cognitive impairment, in order to make a timely referral to a neurology specialist.”
There are certain subtle changes that may reflect a picture of mild cognitive impairmentwhich goes beyond healthy aging and could evolve over time into dementia: signs such as difficulty expressing words, forgetting things or attending certain events.
“Although each case is individual and the Approach should be treated in a personalized manner in the office -in general terms- as part of the treatment, in addition to the behaviors aimed at modifying the risk factors, we recommend some specific actions such as leading an active life, Maintain activities that bring pleasure, find new ways to keep the mind active and spend more time with friends and family“, concluded Drs. Fernandez and Kremer.
Source: Ambito
