Learn about common habits that can increase your risk of developing dementia

A insanity is a syndrome that consists of deterioration of memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to carry out everyday activities. This condition directly affects quality of life, leading to cognitive problems and altering language, behavior and personality. Although the onset of dementia can be caused by a variety of factors, it is most often associated with aging.

They exist various diseases that may be behind the causes of dementia. In addition to agingother conditions include:

1. Alzheimer’s disease: The most prevalent cause of dementia, accounting for around 60-80% of cases.
2. Dementia with Lewy bodies: Its symptoms are similar to those of Alzheimer’s and its incidence is the second highest among dementias.
3. Vascular dementia: Resulting from a series of small cerebrovascular accidents (CVA).
4. Frontotemporal dementia: A degeneration that occurs in the frontal lobe of the brain and can spread to the temporal lobe.
5. Other dementias: Brain tumor, vitamin B12 deficiency, normotensive hydrocephalus, use of certain medications, chronic alcohol abuse and other medical conditions

Research indicates that certain common habits may be linked to an increased risk of dementia in the future. Let’s explore these factors and understand how they can affect our brain health.

Habits that increase the risk

1. Alcohol consumption:
   • We often associate the risk of dementia with excessive alcohol consumption. However, even moderate amounts can have an impact.
   • A study published in 2022 revealed that just two liters of beer or glasses of wine a day can age the brain by up to ten years. Half a liter is enough for premature aging of two years.
   • Alcohol has been identified as one of the three most harmful and preventable risk factors for dementia, along with diabetes and air pollution.
2. Sleep Quality:
   • Sleep deprivation doesn’t just affect our immediate well-being; it can also have long-term consequences.
   • A study published in the journal “Nature Communications” showed that people who sleep six hours or less per night are 30% more likely to develop dementia compared to those who sleep seven hours or more.
   • Sleep plays an important role in eliminating toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Loneliness:
   • Loneliness doesn’t just affect our mental health; it may also predispose to the development of dementia.
   • Researchers in the US analyzed the brains of healthy adults who reported feelings of loneliness. They found elevated levels of cortical amyloid, a marker used in diagnosing dementia.
4. Exposure to Loud Noises:
   • Although the exact relationship is not entirely clear, there is evidence suggesting that prolonged exposure to loud noises may increase the risk of dementia.
   • A study published in the journal “Environmental Health Perspectives” in 2017 found that exposure to high levels of noise over time may be associated with a greater risk of developing dementia.
   • Additionally, researchers at the University of Michigan in 2018 suggested that exposure to loud noises may increase the production of Alzheimer’s-related proteins in the brain.