There are 44 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia around the world, states the Alzheimer’s Association. That number is probably going to triple by 2050. To fight against those growing numbers, experts from around the globe recently met at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Copenhagen to disease the latest research against the disease.
Some of the most interesting things that they learned about the disease and dementia in general:
#1 Hypertension Can Be Good For Your Brain
High blood pressure is usually considered a bad thing, but a new University of California study suggests that if you are 90 or older, hypertension can actually increase the lifespan of your brain cells. It can, in fact, protect your brain from dementia. The study found that the risk for dementia in patients over 90 with hypertension was 55% lower than people who did not have such history.
This does not mean that we should promote hypertension in those over 90, but it does show that when it comes to blood pressure, a one size fits all approach does not always work well in all age groups, such as, all people should maintain a blood pressure of no more than 120/80.
#2 Senior Citizens Can Reduce Dementia Risks Late in Life
Another study looked at 1260 people from 60-77. One part of that group had major lifestyle changes, such as nutrition, exercise, management of heart health and cognitive training. The other group just had regular health advice.
After a two year period, the group that had major lifestyle intervention did a lot better on memory and thinking tests.
Past studies have confirmed that starting major lifestyle changes later in life can provide a hedge against dementia. These positive changes can be effective if started in the 60s and 70s.
#3 Playing Games Increase Brain Size
People in middle age who play a lot of games, such as checkers, cards and crosswords, have larger brains than people who do not, according to a clinical study that reviewed large numbers of brain scans. The study looked at specific areas of the brain, and found that brain volume of those who played games was larger in the areas that can be damaged by Alzheimer’s.
#4 Exercise Improves the Brain
Physical activity can slow dementia as well, according to a study by the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. One group of people with mild cognitive problems had major improvements in their mental function after a period of exercise. They were able to handle more of their own activities of daily living, such as eating on their own (this can be made easier with special Alzheimer’s dishes, such as Redware Dishes, and specially designed utensils, such as Melaware Cutlery Adapted Dining Utensils). Data on a group of healthy patients who worked out showed that they were not as likely to be cognitively impaired, as well.
Redware Dishes
Melaware Cutlery
So, the above studies do show that there are ways to reduce our chances of getting the disease, and even improving our cognitive function after mild dementia has set in!
