What is Dementia,

Dementia is a general term for a group of conditions that affect the brain and cause a decline in memory, thinking, reasoning, socializing, and daily functioning. It is not a normal part of aging, although it mainly affects older adults. People with dementia may have trouble remembering recent events, communicating, making decisions, or recognizing people and places. The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, but there are other types such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. 

Dementia develops because of damage to brain cells, which interferes with how different parts of the brain work together and communicate. This damage builds up over time and affects memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to carry out everyday activities.

Neurodegeneration: Brain cells gradually become damaged and die, especially in areas responsible for memory and reasoning.

Protein buildup: In some types (like Alzheimer’s disease), abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) accumulate and disrupt brain function. 

Reduced blood flow: In vascular dementia, strokes or chronic poor blood supply damage brain tissue.

Other causes: Infections, repeated head injuries, alcohol abuse, or genetic conditions can also damage the brain.

Why?

Age: Risk increases significantly with age. 

Genetics: Some people inherit genes that increase risk.

Lifestyle & health factors: High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity and poor diet raise risk. 

Brain injury: Repeated or severe head trauma can contribute.

In short, dementia develops when progressive brain damage overwhelms the brain’s ability to compensate, leading to noticeable cognitive decline. 

• Protect your heart and blood vessels

High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity damage brain flow. Managing these with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medical care reduces risk.

• Stay mentally active

Challenging your brain (learning new skills, reading, puzzles, languages, music) helps build cognitive resilience, which makes the brain stronger against damage.

• Be physically active 

Regular aerobic exercise improves blood flow to the brain and supports neuron health. Aim for around at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.  

• Avoid head injuries

To avoid head injuries, wear helmets, use seat belts, and avoid repeated concussions, as brain trauma is a known risk factor for early-onset dementia.

• Maintain strong social connections

Social isolation increases dementia risk. Regular interaction helps maintain cognitive and emotional health. 

• Sleep well

Poor sleep and sleep disorders reduce the brain’s ability to clear toxic proteins linked to dementia. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. 

• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking

Heavy alcohol use and smoking accelerate brain damage and increase dementia risk.

• Manage stress and mental health

Chronic stress, depression, and anxiety affect the brain structure over time. Mindfulness, therapy, and stress-reduction strategies help protect cognition.

• Eat a brain healthy diet

Mediterranean or MIND diets (rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil) are linked to lower dementia risk. 

• Address hearing loss early

Untreated hearing loss is a major, modifiable risk factor for dementia. Untreated hearing loss is a risk because the brain has to work harder just to understand sounds, which reduces the mental resources available for memory and thinking. Over time, this extra strain and reduced stimulation can lead to faster cognitive decline. Hearing loss can also cause social isolation, which further increases the risk of dementia.