Contributing article by Karoline Gore, an experienced care home worker and writer.

3 Helpful Tips to Lower Risks of Dementia

The number of people affected with dementia is expected to triple in the next 30 years making it important to do everything possible to lower the risk of decline in cognitive functioning. Nearly 50 million are affected worldwide and there are 10 million new cases each year according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although there is no cure for the condition, it is possible to reduce the risks of dementia and avoid the devastating consequences.

Healthy Diets and Exercise

Dementia affects the physical, physiological, and mental condition of patients as well as caregivers, family, and the society. It not only requires medical attention and Caregiving but also entails home modifications to make the environment safe for an affected person. One of the guidelines issued by the WHO to diminish the risks of dementia is to eat well. It recommends the Mediterranean Diet which is based on fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes.

By focusing on healthy fats such as olive oil, you’ll be able to maintain good cholesterol and blood pressure levels essential for a healthy heart. McEvoy et al concluded that adherence to this type of diet during adulthood is associated with better cognitive performance indicating that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain. In addition to eating well, it is also important to exercise regularly. Physical movement reduces the risk of Stroke and heart diseases which are risk factors linked to dementia as well as prevent obesity, type 2 Diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Smoking and Alcohol Consumption

Smoking damages the heart and the brain with research indicating that those who smoked or people who kicked the habit were less likely to develop dementia vis-à-vis current smokers. Excessive consumption of alcohol and binge drinking can also cause brain damage and as such, increase your chances of getting the condition.

Over time, too much alcohol reduces the brain’s white matter which assists in transmitting signals to the different regions of the brain. Moreover, long-term alcohol intake can also lead to memory disorders such as Korsakoff’s Syndrome.

Improving Mental Health and Cognitive Activity

Good diets, exercise, and Lifestyle changes not only improve your physical health, but also your mental health. Exercise produces endorphins that are natural painkillers. It also improves moods and Sleep and reduces Stress. Studies indicate that brain training such as puzzles, games, and crosswords can improve some areas of memory and thinking. It helps older people manage their life better although no conclusive studies exist that prove brain training prevents dementia.

Thus, eating healthy meals, exercising, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and improving mental health and brain training can lower the risks of developing the condition.

The author of this article, Karoline Gore, can be reached via email at karoline.gore@eagremail.com

Dr. Ethelle G. Lord Master Dementia Coach

Dr. Lord is a published author, educator, speaker and master Alzheimer/dementia coach.

Dr. Éthelle Lord holds a doctorate degree in management from the University of Phoenix (2010), a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Maine (1992), a graduate certificate as a life coach from CoachU (2002), is a practitioner of energy medicine (Good Shepherd Healing System or GSHS), and several certificates in a variety of professional training programs that support her work. Her most recent certification is an advanced training certificate in face reading (2018) that allows her to quickly and effectively relate to someone who is living with dementia. She considers face reading an essential tool for all dementia coaches and care providers. Dr. Lord is a practitioner of energy medicine, especially the Good Shepherd Healing System (GSHS).

Dr. Lord has 21 years of first-hand experience as a dementia caregiver for her husband, Major Larry S. Potter, USAF Ret., who was officially diagnosed in January 2003 with Vascular Dementia. His dementia was contained in 2015 when he participated as a subject in a small but informal energy medicine study along with six other participants from California to France. Larry died on June 18, 2020 from a broken heart since the nursing facility was locked down to all visitors due to the Covid-19.

In the summer of 2012, she was a keynote in Chicago to a large audience of neurologists from all over the world who were seeking first-hand information on family caregiving and Alzheimer’s. Her keynote was entitled “Yes Virginia, You Can Have an Alzheimer’s-Friendly Healthcare Experience”. From that moment on, she realized the great need for the importance of adopting a universal standard in training and delivering dementia care by professionals and family caregivers.