Hey there, on this World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s have a chat about something that’s been on many of our minds—dementia. If you’re like me, with a family history of dementia, you’ve probably wondered, “What are my chances?”
The Many Faces of Dementia
First off, dementia isn’t just one thing—it’s a whole collection of symptoms, from memory issues to changes in thinking, behavior, and more. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, marked by those pesky proteins tangling up in the brain.
The Challenge
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Now, if you’re in Singapore, you might be concerned because neurological diseases like dementia are a big deal here. One in ten folks over 60 has dementia, and it’s expected to get even more common by 2030, affecting over 152,000 people!
Cracking the Genetic Code
So, back to our big question: Does family history mean trouble? Well, genes do play a role, but it’s not all doom and gloom. For Alzheimer’s, if your parent gets diagnosed after 65, the odds of it being genetic are quite low, less than 5%. Rare familial genes can be a bigger deal for other types of dementia.
Age Ain’t Just a Number
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We can’t ignore the age factor. Dementia risk goes up as you get older, but remember, it’s not a normal part of aging. The longer you’re around, the higher the risk, and other health issues that come with age can also raise the stakes.
What You Can Do
Now, let’s talk about what you can do to keep your brain in tip-top shape:
Get Moving with Squats
Yes, you heard right—squats can help challenge your brain with changing blood flow, protecting against cognitive decline. Just three to five minutes, three times a week can do the trick.
Think Twice About Acid Reflux Meds
If you’ve been on proton pump inhibitors for a while, there might be a slightly higher risk of dementia. Talk to your doc about alternatives.
Join the Mahjong Party
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Mentally stimulating activities, like playing mahjong, can do wonders for your brain. It’s not just fun; it’s brain-boosting!
Catch Those Zzz’s
Proper sleep isn’t just for beauty; it rinses out dementia-causing toxins from your brain. If you have sleep issues, it might raise your Alzheimer’s risk.
Don’t Forget Your Teeth
Good dental hygiene isn’t just about saving money at the dentist; it could also lower your Alzheimer’s risk by keeping harmful bacteria at bay.
So, there you have it, a friendly chat about dementia, genes, lifestyle choices, and how to keep your brain sharp. On this World Alzheimer’s Day, let’s make a pact to take care of our noggin and work towards a future where dementia is less of a worry for all of us.
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