Alzheimer’s Awareness Month- Risk factors, tips and prevention
Jan. 13, 2023
Global Korean Post
Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia are having a substantial and growing impact in Canada and around the world.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia worldwide will increase from 57 to 83 million by the end of this decade, and to 152 million by 2050.
In fact, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and contributes to the majority of dementia cases.
Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a set of symptoms affecting brain function. It’s a chronic condition that gets more severe over time and is often characterized by:
- a decline in:
- memory
- planning
- language
- judgement
- physical changes, like:
- loss of coordination
- loss of bladder control
- weak and stiff muscles
- trouble standing, sitting or walking
- changes in mood and behaviour
About 3% of all people living with dementia in Canada are younger than age 65. This is known as young onset dementia. Since dementia is less common before age 65, it often goes unnoticed or undiagnosed.
In Canada between April 2017 and March 2018:
-almost 452,000 people over 65 were living with diagnosed dementia
-nearly 85,000 people older than 65 were newly diagnosed with dementia
There are two kinds of risk factors for dementia: non-modifiable and modifiable.
Non-modifiable risk factors are ones that cannot be changed or eliminated, like aging, family history and genetics. Most cases of dementia aren’t related to genetics or inherited.
The chance of getting dementia generally increases with age. The likelihood of being diagnosed with dementia is more than six times higher in people aged 80 and over compared to those aged 65-79. Not everyone develops the condition as they age.
Changes in the brain that may lead to dementia can begin decades before signs or symptoms appear. It is never too early or too late to take action that can benefit your brain health.
Some studies have identified several modifiable risk factors associated with a greater risk of developing dementia. It is estimated that 12 risk factors could explain 40% of cases of dementia globally.
These risk factors are organized below according to the time in life when each is usually expected to begin playing a role; if they remain present, their impact is expected to continue throughout the rest of life. These factors can also impact an individual’s overall health, including the prevention and management of other chronic conditions such as diabetes.
A healthy lifestyle can help to lower the chance of developing dementia and delay symptoms. It can also help prevent other chronic conditions that in turn are linked to a greater chance of developing dementia.
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by Global Korean Post
