Dementia is a general term for a number of chronic conditions that include problems with memory, language, thinking and problem-solving that interfere with daily life. Dementia is a condition that is related to changes in the brain that start to occur decades before symptoms start to show. There are a large number of risk factors for dementia, including age, genetics, lifestyle and chronic medical conditions.
Memory problems could occur normally with aging, but dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. Dementia is far more common in older people. Starting at the age of 65, the risk of dementia roughly doubles every five years. There are a number of ways to differentiate between normal aging and early dementia. If you, a friend or a family member is older and having problems with memory, visit the Memory Center for a comprehensive evaluation.
Genetics and family history have a role in dementia. We get genes from each of our parents, and genes play a major role in determining the physical makeup of the body and keeping the body healthy. There are genes that have been isolated and shown to carry an increased risk for dementia. Though having a specific gene does not directly lead to the development of dementia, it is important to know in terms of overall brain health.
Lifestyle plays a major role in the risk of developing dementia. Generally, being active, eating a healthy balanced diet, and good sleep are crucial for overall brain health. However, there are specific lifestyle changes that can be acted upon to maximize your quality of life and minimize your risk of developing dementia. Any barriers to activity, such as pain or fatigue, need to be thoroughly evaluated and managed. There are specific foods, diets and supplements that can drastically improve the health of your mind. At the Memory Center, we work with various highly trained nutritionists and wellness coaches to give you the most comprehensive care possible.
Sleep plays a crucial role in memory. I’m sure you’ve noticed a general grogginess the day after a poor night’s sleep. During sleep, our body and mind rest and regenerate. Studies show significant increase in dementia risk in people getting inadequate sleep. Sleep problems can be due to a number of issues. You might have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. You might be snoring and waking yourself up. At the Memory Center, we can fully assess any sleep issues, find the underlying cause and offer you a solution.
A number of chronic medical conditions have been proven to increase dementia risk. These include heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and lung disease such as asthma or COPD. At the Memory Center, we have both neurologists and internal medicine trained physicians who can offer a unique combination of comprehensive care. We are experts in dealing with all chronic medical conditions, and in managing these well, mitigating your risk for the development of dementia over time.
There are a lot of things that can contribute to dementia. We believe that addressing as many as possible, as early as possible, gives you the best change to minimize your risk of developing dementia. We care about you and want to do everything we can to implement positive changes to improve your quality of life. We can differentiate between normal aging and early dementia. We offer complete genetic testing to assess risk factors. We are experts in dealing with activity, diet and sleep, as well as managing any and all chronic medical conditions.
Call (201) 947-4777 or visit memorycenter.org for more information.
Dr. Jeff Shenfeld is the director of the Memory Center of Englewood.
