In some situations, we are happy to explain flippantly that the behavior of the elderly is probably “Alzheimer’s disease”. But those whose families have been affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can tell you the subject should not be taken lightly.
What are the first signs of disease?
The first signs of a late onset disease can still be seen at an early stage. In the stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) there are already clear indications of issues. Forgetting a password or losing your key does not necessarily indicate dementia. But, you should be vigilant. Tests can show whether memory, concentration, and mental acuity are actually impaired. Although no everyday restrictions are to be expected in the case of a mild cognitive disorder, but the end result is cognitive performance below the usual levels for one’s respective age and educational level.
If a mild cognitive disorder (MCI) is detected – for example with the help of the mini-mental status test or the clock test – action must be taken. There is a narrow window to prevent or postpone the development of dementia. Overall, the annual frequency of transition from MCI to dementia is reported to be up to 10%, depending on the research setting and MCI definition. However, the good news is that some of those affected by MCI are reversible.
Active mental activity and a valuable social network can actively counteract the transition to dementia
The risk factors that accelerate the transition from mild cognitive disorder (MCI) to dementia are well known. Accordingly, active countermeasures can also be taken. Above all through active mental activity and a pronounced psychosocial network. People with a higher level of education and an intellectually stimulating social network seem to have less tendency to develop dementia. However, it could also be that dementia only comes to light later due to the greater “mental reserve”.
A sufficient nutrient supply not only supports cognitive abilities but also maintains health holistically.
How does nutrition support our cognitive performance?
A balanced diet rich in plant substances, omega-3 fatty acids, and resveratrol (from red wine) are helpful measures to prevent mild cognitive disorders. This is also linked to the vascular risk profile, which is characterized by increased homocysteine levels, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and obesity as well as smoking. All these factors damage the vessels supplying the brain and increase the risk of dementia. It is well known that bioactive plant substances can counteract this overall complex. To describe the mechanisms in detail goes beyond the scope of this article.
Another important measure against dementia is sleep. The physiological cleansing processes that take place in the brain during sleep are important in the fight against deposits. Because we know that harmful degradation products are flushed out of the brain in a kind of “wash” during the individual sleep phases.
And so we are back to a healthy lifestyle which, with mental activity, exercise, optimized nutrition and sufficient sleep, creates the prerequisites for maintaining access to our computers and to our homes into old age.
