What is Dementia and Can I Prevent It?

With nearly 86 billion neurons connecting and communicating in an intricate system, it’s no wonder the brain is considered the most complex organ in the human body.

As our central nervous system’s command center, the brain is responsible for regulating everything from our thoughts, behaviors and emotions to every single one of our bodily functions.

Maybe we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves when we forget why we came into the kitchen — the brain’s got a lot on its plate!

Still, forgetfulness is never a good feeling. And when it persists – or progresses to something more than just misplacing keys – it’s worth checking out.

The Basics

But first, let’s take a quick look at the numbers and names.

According to National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers, about 42% of Americans over the age of 55 will develop dementia at some point. As a result of our aging population, new cases of dementia (per year) are expected to double by 2060.

What is dementia and what is Alzheimer’s? Many use the terms interchangeably, but dementia is essentially an umbrella term for all types of memory loss, and Alzheimer’s is the most common one.

Believe it or not, there are over 100 different types of dementia! Most are quite rare though: Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, vascular dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies make up 90 percent of dementia cases.

The Risk Factors

While many people chalk forgetfulness up to old age, it is not the cause of memory loss. Growing older may put you at a higher risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s, but it’s not a normal part of aging. There are many people who live into their 100s without dementia. Other risk factors include:

• uncontrolled diabetes
• high blood pressure
• hearing loss
• use of alcohol or tobacco
• lack of physical activity
• genetics/family history
• traumatic brain injury (TBI) or Down syndrome

The good news? Many of these risk factors are within our control. In fact, according to 2024 research data, nearly 45% of all dementia cases may be prevented or delayed.

The Warning Signs

So when should you worry about increasing forgetfulness? Here’s a good rule of thumb: it’s less about forgetting where you put your keys and more about forgetting what the keys are for. It’s problems with thinking, decision-making, judgment and language. Forgetting not just a name but also a familiar face.

Remember that stress or anxiety can aggravate memory loss. We may have times of forgetfulness that seem worse than usual. But if we are able to regulate that stress and anxiety, retrace our steps and eventually find that missing item, it’s probably not dementia.

What are the early symptoms of dementia then? Here’s a checklist to run through when you’re concerned for yourself or someone else:

1. problems with following directions; struggling to understand or remember steps
2. trouble with reading, writing, or understanding words and language
3. forgetting names, past events, or things you just learned
4. trouble putting your thoughts together or expressing them out loud
5. feeling agitated, restless, nervous, or worried
6. losing interest in things; feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness or depression
7. changes in mood, behavior, or personality
8. increased irritability or frustration
9. paranoia or hallucinations
10. feeling disoriented about times, dates, and locations
11. pacing, finger tapping, or other repetitive/fidgeting movements
12. sleep disturbances (trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping during the day instead of nighttime)
13. challenges with performing every day tasks

Check in with your ArchWell Health provider or your regular primary care provider if you are noticing these early symptoms. If you’re seeing these signs in a friend or relative, be compassionate and considerate in addressing the concerns and encouraging a check-up.

The Keys to Prevention

Is there anything you can do to prevent dementia or delay its progression? Yes and yes! Here are seven prevention tips from experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Cleveland Clinic, and the World Health Organization (WHO):

1. Stay physically active.
2. Manage hearing loss issues.
3. Limit or eliminate alcohol intake and tobacco use.
4. Regulate diabetes or high blood pressure through diet, exercise, prescribed medications, and maintaining a healthy weight.
5. Stay connected to friends and family to avoid social isolation, depression, or loneliness.
6. Eat healthy, balanced meals with veggies, fruits, and whole grains.
7. Keep your mind busy and active with puzzles, reading, word games, and more.

At ArchWell Health, we welcome all questions about dementia, memory loss, and the things that weigh heavy on your mind. Get answers to common Alzheimer’s and Dementia Questions here or schedule an appointment with your provider.