Are there Ways to Prevent or Fight Against Dementia?

There isn’t a universally applicable answer. So, we will first need to discuss why that is a fact. Let’s get started right away.

It Depends

Dementia is a cluster of symptoms that are commonly associated with Alzheimer’s, but Alzheimer’s is not the only disease that leads to dementia. Diseases and rare genetic conditions such as vascular dementia, Huntington’s Disease, frontotemporal dementia, cerebral strokes, traumatic brain injury, subdural hematomas, hydrocephalus, brain tumours, and more can also be responsible for dementia. Then there are also several other seemingly unrelated diseases and conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc. that further complicate the situation. For example, someone with a severe heart condition may not even be able to engage in physical activities, which is a proven way to fight against neurodegeneration.

Finally, we also must consider which stage of the disease a patient is in, before discussing the potential of steps that can help prevent or slow down dementia. Keeping all that in mind, it can be stated that there are indeed ways to prevent and/or delay the onset and/or progress of dementia, but their effectiveness will vary widely based on not just the aforementioned factors, but a long list of environmental factors as well. Therefore, if someone close to you has been diagnosed with a disease with active symptoms of dementia, it might be time to consider a rounded, professional approach that covers all the steps.

In advanced stages of dementia, a patient can be dangerous to themselves, as well as others, due to no fault of their own, which is why care homes like valeviewheights.com have protective measures in place for patients with dementia.

What are the Steps Most Effective in Preventing/Delaying/Slowing Down Dementia?

Now that we know why there are no universal answers, we can take a closer look at the steps that truly do have the potential to prevent, delay, and/or slow down the progress of dementia, depending on the actual disease that’s responsible for the symptoms. Let’s start with the medical steps first.

Physical and Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise and mental stimulation can be effective in preventing, delaying and/or managing symptoms of dementia, depending on the factors already mentioned and discussed. While any kind of stimulation on both parts can be effective, you need a structured program with proven stimulation techniques to see impressive results. As for the stimulating activities themselves, the following are found to be most effective.

• Resistance training and weight training.
• 3D video games like racers, 3D platformers, and FPS shooters.
• Puzzles and tabletop games like chess, sudoku, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, scrabbles, and anagram puzzles.

Medication and Treatment

The good news is that some of the causes responsible for dementia can be cured or managed, although that’s never guaranteed. In case the treatment does succeed, then the patient’s dementia will also go away partially or completely, depending on the damage already caused. Causes of dementia that have been treated successfully before include:

• Strokes and vascular dementia
• Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Brain tumours
• Subdural hematomas
• Hydrocephalus

Medication will always be a part of the prevention and treatment process, irrespective of the actual condition. Therefore, it is imperative to follow a doctor’s suggestions for treatment above all else.