Have you ever had a conversation with an older individual and felt like you spoke in circles? This is no fault of their own; they most likely have some form of dementia. Dementia and old age don’t always go hand in hand, but with around 16% of adults over the age of 70 having it, its prevalence is hard to ignore. One of the most common causes of dementia is degenerative neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. These diseases are progressive, meaning they worsen significantly over time. Reading about these forms of dementia is an odd form of confrontation that most elders are not ready for, no one wants to admit their memory is slipping, let alone their mind. Fortunately, there are several preventative measures every person can take to avoid developing dementia.
One Preventative Activity
One way of retaining your memory would be to further your education. No, you don’t have to go back to school, though it’d still be beneficial to combatting dementia. Education is one of the most useful ways to use your mental capacity; rather than watching The Golden Girl’s, maybe you should take up painting or learn to knit, whether self-taught or taking classes, you are learning a new skill and developing new motor functions.
Now it does not necessarily have to be the two examples provided, any new skill or hobby will do, you just need something to engage and trigger your memory senses further than that of a reality television show.
Studies have shown that engaging in something you find more challenging naturally opens and activates pathways that maintain individual cells and foster intercellular communication.
Here are couple of links with further information on how to use other preventative measures against dementia:
6 simple steps to keep your mind sharp at any age – Harvard Health