Find more answers here!What is dementia?
Dementia is a general term used to describe changes in memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that interfere with daily life. Dementia is not one specific disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60–80% of cases. Other types include Lewy body, vascular, frontotemporal and mixed dementia. Dementia is a growing public health concern, with the number of people affected expected to increase substantially as the population ages.
What are the signs?
One of the most recognized early signs of Alzheimer’s disease is memory loss. Significant memory loss is not a normal part of aging. Occasionally misplacing items, forgetting someone’s name, or taking longer to recall information can occur with normal aging. The concern is when memory changes begin interfering with everyday life.
Imagine calling a family member Friday evening and making plans for breakfast Saturday morning. You arrive the next day to pick them up, but they are still in their pajamas and have no memory of your conversation. Forgetting a recent conversation or event like this may be a warning sign, particularly if it happens repeatedly. Other changes may include difficulty managing finances, getting lost in familiar places, struggling with everyday tasks or losing interest in activities previously enjoyed.
Can I reduce my risk of dementia?
Changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease can begin years before noticeable symptoms develop. Although not every case of dementia can be prevented, research suggests that addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life may reduce or delay the risk of developing dementia.
Many factors that protect your heart also support your brain. The Alzheimer’s Association’s "10 Healthy Habits for Your Brain" provides practical ways to incorporate brain-healthy behaviors into everyday life.
Where do I start?
I like to place brain health into three “buckets”: physical health, lifestyle and social health.
The physical health bucket includes managing blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and other cardiovascular risk factors with your healthcare provider.
The lifestyle bucket includes regular physical activity, nutritious foods, adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol. You do not have to change everything at once. Start with one or two realistic goals.
The social health bucket is sometimes overlooked. Staying connected, maintaining meaningful relationships and activities and avoiding prolonged social isolation are important components of healthy aging.
How is your brain health?
The McCance Brain Care Score was developed by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital to help individuals identify factors associated with brain health. The score can help identify areas related to physical health, lifestyle and social-emotional health where positive changes may be possible. It does not diagnose dementia or predict whether you will develop it.
We routinely think about protecting our hearts and preventing diabetes. It is time to give our brains that same attention. Taking care of your brain is a lifelong process, and it is never too early or too late to start.
About the professor
Sandra Calderon, Ph.D., RN, FNP-C, is an assistant professor at the Orvis School of Nursing. Her clinical experience as a nurse practitioner includes the emergency department, hematology and oncology, and work at an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Her most recent clinical experience is in Alzheimer's clinical drug trials, longitudinal research and neurological assessment. Her research focuses on early dementia screening, Veterans health, workforce development and educational success.
