Causes - ReaDementia

Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes February 28, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, tbi, traumatic-brain-injury

The potential between increased risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury has become a pressing issue as scientists try to find the link between the two.

This is mostly because the immediate effects of head injury can include symptoms that are similar to those of dementia.

These include signs such as memory loss, confusion, and changes in speech, personality, and vision.

Relationship Between Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury

Depending on the severity of the head injury the symptoms can clear up fast, last a long time, or fail to go away altogether.

Keep in mind that symptoms a person experiences after an injury usually do not become worse over time which is usually the case with dementia.

Dementia affects about 47 million people worldwide and we expect the numbers to double in the next two decades.

Over 50 million people across the globe experience traumatic brain injury yearly.

Causes of TBI

This usually occurs when external forced disrupt the normal functions of the brain. Leading causes of TBI include falls, assaults, and motor vehicle accidents.

Research, however, notes that certain types of head injuries may increase the risk of someone developing different types of dementia.

Two primary factors seemingly affecting a person’s risk include the severity of the injury and the age when the injury happened.

Some studies suggest that more severe head injuries might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) which is one of the most common causes of dementia.

The risk also increases for persons who experience head injuries when they are older say 55 years and above.

Repeated mild injuries also increase the risk of having problems with reasoning and thinking in the future.

Brain injuries after 55 are risky

Check out essential details of a study that has been done to try and figure out the link between the risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury.

One of the larger studies reported that the risk of dementia as well as that of Alzheimer’s is significantly higher in persons who have experienced TBI than in those who have no history of traumatic brain injury.

The study that was conducted in Denmark observed almost 2.8 million participants and they began in 1977.

The large study population involved a 36-year follow-up where researchers gained access to a uniform healthcare system that tracks the severity and numbers of traumatic brain injuries.

Among the millions of participants, the research indicated that 4.7% have at least one diagnosis of traumatic brain injury.

With the first TBI diagnosis, 85% had been categorized as mild while the rest were characterized as a skull fracture or severe. 4.5% of the persons who were 50 years and above developed dementia from 1999 to 2013.

From this group, 5.3% had experienced at least one TBI when the scientists were conducting their observations.

The average age at first dementia diagnosis was recorded as 80.7 years. The findings of this research were published in The Lancet Psychiatry on 10th April.

Dementia risk is higher in those with TBI history

The experts in the study concluded that the overall dementia risk in people with a history of TBI was 24% higher than those who did not have a history of traumatic brain injury.

They reached this conclusion after accounting for other risk factors of the neurodegenerative disease.

Severe traumatic brain injuries accounted for an increased risk of 35% while mild TBI increased the risk by 17%.

Men also have a slightly higher increased risk of dementia development when compared to women with traumatic brain injury histories at 30% versus 19%.

Jesse Fann the lead author of the study and a professor of behavioral sciences and psychiatry at the University of Washington School of medicine said that the relationship between the risk of dementia and the number of brain injuries was very clear according to the research.

Men are more likely to develop dementia after TBI

The study also indicated that the risk of dementia also increased based on the number of traumatic brain injuries.

Five or more TBIs increased the risk by 183%, four TBIs increased dementia risk by 51%, while the risk increased by 33% for two or three TBIs.

Fann also explained that if someone had a brain injury in their 20’s chances of developing dementia increased by 60% in their 50s.

The researchers nonetheless clarified that the findings of the study do not suggest that everyone who sustains traumatic brain injury will end up developing dementia in his or her later years.

Fann hoped that the findings will help people with histories of TBI to change their behaviors towards other dementia risk factors.

This includes quitting or limiting the use of tobacco and alcohol consumption, taking part in regular physical exercise, treating illnesses like depression, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as avoiding obesity.

He also suggested that people who have suffered traumatic brain injury need to get an evaluation from medical doctors to get immediate treatment for any persisting issues.

Fann stated that some cognitive rehabilitation strategies might help decrease cognitive deficits that relate to brain injury.

Not everyone with traumatic brain injury will develop dementia

Co-author Jakob Christensen an associate professor of neurology at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark stated that severe traumatic brain injury is more prevalent in young people.

He went ahead to explain that there is a concern that this also increases the risk of developing dementia in younger people.

Fann warned children and parents to be aware of the risks of traumatic brain injury that contact sports present.

The authors of the study recommended heightened efforts to prevent TBIs, especially for the younger generation.

They said that strategies need to be put in place to ameliorate the impact and risk of dementia relating to traumatic brain injury.

Conclusion

Many studies looking into the relationship between increased risk of dementia and traumatic brain injury are targeting participants of contact sports such as hockey, football, boxing, and soccer as well as military veterans.

These are people who end up experiencing traumatic brain injuries in their line of work.

The researchers acknowledged that more research is still needed to find out who is at the greatest risk of developing dementia as well as other factors that contribute to this risk.

Is There A Connection Between Dementia And Concussion?

Petra Boh Blog, Causes February 26, 2021October 16, 2021concussion, dementia, head injury

Dementia researchers for a long time have been fascinated by the potential link between the risk of developing dementia after a concussion.

Mayo Clinic defines a concussion as a traumatic brain injury that affects the functions of the brain.

Its effects are normally temporary and can include headaches as well as problems with memory, coordination, balance, and concentration.

Can a Concussion Make Dementia Worse?

Blows to the head or violently shaking the upper body and head are the main causes of concussions.

In short, any severe head injury can lead to a concussion.

There is a very high chance that people will experience a concussion after falling or a motor accident.

Concussions are also common for people who play sports like soccer or football, as well as boxing.

Alzheimer’s Association describes dementia as a general term for loss of memory, problem-solving, language, and other thinking abilities.

It ends up affecting an individual’s daily life.

Many people with concussions usually recover fully.

New research, however, shows that there may be a link between increased risk of dementia development for people who have experienced concussions.

Some Studies Support The Increased Risk After Concussion

Several studies are supporting the idea that the risk of dementia can be increased by concussions.

One of the studies published in JAMA Neurology in May 2018 suggests that having a concussion can lead to increased dementia risk even when the person did not experience loss of consciousness.

The study was conducted by a team at UCSF (University of California).

There were over 350,000 participants in the study whose average age was 49. The researchers followed the participants for about 4.2 years.

The researchers also discovered that concussion without loss of consciousness accounted for a 2.4 fold in dementia increased risk.

When the concussion resulted in a loss of consciousness the risk of dementia increased up to 2.5 times higher.

The risk was higher for persons who experienced a moderate-to-severe traumatic injury almost four times (3.77).

The study also acknowledged that concussions in the general population were also risky for dementia and not for veterans alone. They draw the participants from two databases.

One of them has a list of all-era veterans who experienced concussions during military or civilian life.

The other has vets serving war zones meaning most of their injuries occurred in combat zones for example for shockwaves in blasts.

Concussions are risky for people with dementia

The findings were similar in both groups.

This indicated that concussions happening in combat areas are as likely linked to the development of dementia as those affecting the general population according to Deborah Barnes the first author Ph.D., MPH, professor in UCSF psychiatry, epidemiology and biostatistics department.

The experts advised people who experienced concussions to seek medical attention. Also, to allow time to heal as well as try and avoid other concussions.

Although the research did not examine the issue of repeat concussions directly, there is growing evidence that it may result in a cumulative effect.

Different research from Boston University Medical Centre also concludes that there is a link between concussions and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Note, AD is one of the most common causes of dementia.

The experts on the study concluded that concussions speed up cognitive decline and brain atrophy that relates to Alzheimer’s especially in persons who are at genetic risk for the medical condition. You can find these findings in the Brain journal.

The researchers observed 160 Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans.

Among them were participants who had suffered one or more concussions and others who had never had a concussion.

Concussions and genetics are crucial

The professionals used MRI imaging to study the thickness of the participant’s cerebral cortex in regions that first show atrophy in AD.

They found that those who experienced a concussion had lower cortical thickness in the regions of the brain that are first affected by Alzheimer’s.

Their results suggest that concussions when combined with genetic factors may play a role in accelerating memory decline and cortical thickness in AD’s relevant areas.

The experts on the study hope that other researchers will build-up on their findings to discover the concussion-related mechanisms that increase the development of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and others.

As a result, treatment may target the mechanisms which might lead to delaying the onset of neurodegenerative pathology.

Dementia and Concussion Closing Remarks

Currently, experts do not know the long-term effects that concussions cause.

More ‘dementia and concussion’ research is still necessary to determine whether concussions cause dementia development in later years.

Dementia and Cholesterol – Is There a Risk?

Petra Boh Blog, Causes February 21, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, cholesterol, dementia, vascular dementia

Several studies report that there is a link between dementia and cholesterol levels in the human body.

Before getting deeper into this, it is important to note that cholesterol is essential for the healthy functioning of the body.

But there is a catch.

Is There a Link Between Dementia and Cholesterol?

Without this, people would not be able to produce hormones or digest food.

We can describe cholesterol as a waxy-like fatty substance that the liver produces.

It is also present in some foods. Cholesterol circulates through the blood-stream in carries known as lipoproteins made of proteins and fats.

Even though the fatty substance is beneficial, too much cholesterol in the blood can harm vascular and heart health.

There are two types of cholesterol

1. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – also known as “good cholesterol” this is responsible for preventing the build-up of cholesterol in the arteries. Not just that, but it also protects a person against stroke and heart attack.

2. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – referred to as “bad cholesterol” this is what causes high levels of cholesterol.

With this in mind, let’s jump into the relationship between dementia and cholesterol.

Health experts agree that watching cholesterol levels can help keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay which is one of the most common dementia types.

It can also help prevent the development of vascular dementia which is one of the most common types of dementia.

Below we will expound more on how lowering cholesterol may be instrumental in starving off dementia.

Studies on How High Levels of Cholesterol can Increase Dementia Risk

One of the factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia is high cholesterol.

A neurology study borrowing insights from Niemann Pick-C disease and Down’s syndrome stated that high cholesterol disrupts the process of cell division.

Dr. Kensuke Sasaki one of the authors of this study said that his team of researchers discovered that high levels of cholesterol were related to brain plaques that are markers for Alzheimer’s disease.

Kensuke is a researcher at Kyushu University in Japan.

Together with his team of professionals, they tested cholesterol levels for about 2600 people aged 40-79.

At the beginning of the study, all the participants were dementia-free. The researchers then checked on the participants after 10-15 years.

They also conducted autopsies on the persons who had passed on. They found 34% of the individuals had been diagnosed with dementia.

Autopsies also revealed hallmark tangles and plaques of the illness which normally translated to protein build-up in the brain.

The study recorded that 86% of individuals with high levels of cholesterol had brain plaques.

Only 62% of the people with low cholesterol had plaques.

A similar study investigating the link between dementia and cholesterol was reported by researchers in Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Low levels of HDL can contribute to a memory decline

In this study, professionals observed 3,673 participants from the Whitehall II study. 26.8% of the subjects were women.

The researchers discovered that low levels of HDL cholesterol were among the major predictors of declining memory by the time a person turns 60.

The experts came to the conclusion after measuring lipid concentrations in blood samples they collected after the participants underwent an eight-hour fast.

Researchers at Emory University and the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Centre also conducted a study that found an association between early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and high LDL cholesterol levels.

This condition is considered “early-onset” when it develops before a person is 65 years.

To find out whether early-onset AD is related to cholesterol the experts sequenced various genomic regions of 2,125 participants.

Among them, 654 already had early-onset Alzheimer’s while 1,472 wee controls.

The researchers also went ahead to test blood samples from 267 subjects to determine their LDL cholesterol levels.

From the blood samples, the experts discovered that people with elevated LDL levels were more likely to develop early-onset AD when compared to persons with lower levels of cholesterol.

They published their findings in JAMA Neurology.

Contracting Studies on the Link between Risk of Dementia and Cholesterol Levels

While many studies state that high cholesterol levels can increase dementia risk, some scientists in the US dispute this.

They are on record stating that high cholesterol levels in seniors over 85 have been linked to reduced decline in thinking abilities and memory.

They published their findings in Alzheimer’s and Dementia a scientific journal.

Knowing that high levels of cholesterol were linked to cardiovascular diseases and higher dementia risk, the scientists opted to study people who are over the age of 85.

In their study, they found that the elderly who had already celebrated their 85th birthday has fewer problems with thinking and memory even though they also had higher levels of cholesterol.

Chief Scientific Officer of Alzheimer’s Research UK Dr. David Reynolds said that although most of the evidence points towards the dangers of high cholesterol levels it is not easy to pinpoint one dementia factor in the group of seniors who do not have the disease.

He continued to explain that high cholesterol levels in the participants of the study might have been linked to enhanced cognitive function because it was a reflection of the genetic makeup of individuals who live to an advanced age instead of the cholesterol levels in their blood.

There is still no evidence or suggestion from the research that people need to increase their levels of cholesterol levels to sustain a healthy brain.

Because of the results of this study, the impact of high cholesterol levels remains a controversial and intriguing subject.

Closing Remarks

Seeing that overwhelming evidence points to the association between dementia and cholesterol levels, everyone must get to know the levels of this waxy-like fatty substance in their blood.

The recommendation for adults over the age of 40 is to take a blood test once every 5 years which can help in identifying the risk.

Women who are above 50 years and men who are over 45 may need to take the tests more frequently.

For now, scientists will continue to explore the role that cholesterol has in dementia development.

Calcium Supplements and Dementia Risk

Petra Boh Blog, Causes February 21, 2021February 22, 2022calcium supplements, dementia

A new study has revealed that there may be a link between calcium supplements and dementia risk. This was published in the peer-reviewed journal Neurology.

It reported that women who take calcium supplements are at a higher risk of developing dementia.

This especially applies if they suffered from cerebrovascular diseases.

These are conditions that are a result of problems that affect the supply of blood to the brain. Stroke, vascular dementia, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack are some of the common cerebrovascular diseases.

Calcium Supplementation Linked to Dementia Risk

The reality of the study results, however, are not certain. The study was conducted on a small sample comprised of 98 women.

But it is the beginning.

So far, no one yet did a similar study on men.

It’s women who are more prevalent in taking the supplements in the first place.

Additionally, the study only focused on women from Sweden.

The entire study observed 700 Swedish women all who were 70 years and above.

All the participants did not have dementia. Also, not all were taking calcium supplements.

During the onset of the study, all the women took tests to measure their thinking skills and memory.

They then repeated the process at the end of the study.

More than half of the participants also underwent CT brain scans at the beginning of the research.

71% of this group had lesions in the white matter which is one of the markers for cerebrovascular disease.

Lesions in white matter tissue show evidence of a mini-stroke or other problems that are affecting the flow of blood within the brain.

The researchers then committed to monitoring the use of calcium supplements among the participants.

Women taking calcium supplements are at higher risk of developing dementia

From this group, only 98 were taking calcium supplements. 14.3% of these women who were taking supplements developed dementia after just five years.

Comparing this to 7.5% of ladies who did not get the neurodegenerative disease, researchers concluded that taking calcium supplements increases the risk of developing dementia up to seven times after considering all other factors.

The risk of dementia was also recorded at three times higher in the ladies who took calcium supplements and had white matter brain lesions.

Many women who are older than 40 often take calcium supplements to treat osteoporosis. It is a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak.

Further analysis from the Swedish study on calcium supplements and dementia risk revealed that the raised risk only affected ladies who already experienced a stroke.

This also applies to the women who had signs of blood vessel damage in their brains after a scan.

Note that these results were only based on 6 out of 15 women who had a history of stroke and 50 of 316 females who had blood vessel damage and were taking calcium supplements.

Experts on the study acknowledged that the study was relatively small and that it was an observational study whose findings needed to be confirmed.

They did not advocate for an immediate call of action based on their results.

Instead, Dr. Silke Kern who was part of the study said that ladies with osteoporosis and cerebrovascular diseases should discuss the results of the research with their doctors because the study does not prove causality.

The study was done by researchers from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden in collaboration with other experts from University College London.

Different organizations provided grants for the study including the Swedish Research Council.

Why Calcium Supplements can Increase the Risk of Dementia

The study did not explain the exact relationship between calcium supplements and dementia. Kern says that calcium plays an essential role in the death of cells.

She explained that high calcium levels in the blood might trigger the death of neurons. Too much calcium can also affect blood vessels in the brain.

An associate professor of neurological science and director of research for Rush Heart Centre for Women Dr. Neelum Aggarwal said that calcium can affect brain chemistry which can cause degeneration of brain cells.

The doctor, however, cautioned against blaming calcium supplements for the increased risk of dementia.

Implications of the Study

If the results of the Swedish study on calcium supplements and dementia are anything to go by, it would be wise for people to look for other ways of getting the mineral.

This includes eating foods like green leafy vegetables, dairy products, nuts, sesame seeds, tofu, soya beans, fish like pilchards and sardines where you eat the bones, and whole grain bread.

Kern told, the findings only applied to calcium from supplements and not from food sources because they affect the brain in different ways.

The results of the study cannot be generalized for the entire population since it followed a small sample size.

However, if a person suffers from low levels of calcium and they are not getting the required dose from the diet, it is recommended you speak to your doctor who will offer guidance on whether the supplements are the way to go.

More research still needs to be done to confirm whether calcium supplements accelerate or cause the development of dementia.

Dementia and High Blood Pressure

Petra Boh Blog, Causes February 19, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, high blood pressure

Numerous research studies confirm that there is a link between dementia and high blood pressure.

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a chronic condition where the force of blood against the artery walls becomes too high causing various health problems including strokes and heart attacks.

Hypertension is known to cause progressive brain damage.

Blood pressure usually measures the force that is applied to the arteries as blood is circulated by the heart around the body.

Normal blood pressure should read about 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is constantly above 140/90 mmHg.

Common risk factors for high blood pressure include an unhealthy diet comprising mostly salty foods, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, being obese or overweight, taking steroid medication, drinking lots of caffeine and kidney disease.

Also, everyone in the family with a history of hypertension is at risk, as well as those of Caribbean or African descent.

Dementia is a general term that is used to describe problems with memory, problem-solving, language, and other thinking abilities that end up interfering with a person’s day-to-day life.

The disease is progressive implying that the symptoms will become worse over time.

Research on Dementia and High Blood Pressure

The World Alzheimer Report 2014 states that several studies observing large groups of individuals demonstrated that people with hypertension especially in mid-life were at high risk of developing vascular dementia one of the most common kinds of dementia later on in life.

The subjects were between the ages of 15-40 while mid-life was characterized by people between the ages of 40-64.

Vascular dementia occurs when there is an inadequate flow of blood to the brain which denies the organ essential nutrients and oxygen it needs to function properly.

People with hypertension are at higher risk

A study published by Oxford University Press in Cardiovascular Research also reports that persons who have hypertension are at a higher risk of getting dementia.

For the first time, the research also reveals that doctors can conduct an MRI to detect neurological damage for persons with high blood pressure before dementia symptoms occur.

Researchers came to this conclusion after subjecting individuals between the ages of 40-65 to undergo a 3 Tesla MRI scan at the Regional Excellent Hypertension Centre of the Italian Society of Hypertension of the I.R.C.C.S.

The participants of the study did not have a dementia diagnosis or any structural damage.

The subjects also underwent clinical examinations to know their hypertensive status as well as damage to the target organ.

They were also subjected to an MRI scan to identify any microstructural damage.

The results indicated that hypersensitive participants had major alternations in 3 specific white matter fiber tracts.

The group also scored worse in cognitive tests and decreased performances in memory, speed, and learning-related tasks.

This goes to show that it is possible to detect changes before a person starts showcasing symptoms. Medics can then offer medication that will prevent further deterioration in regard to brain function.

Hypertension medication and dementia

Another study worth mentioning about dementia and high blood pressure was conducted at the John Hopkins University.

Experts analyzed previously gathered data to report that persons taking hypertension medication were half as likely to end up with Alzheimer’s (the most common cause of dementia) when compared to the people who do not take the drugs.

Constantine Lyketsos, director of Memory and Alzheimer’s treatment at John Hopkins explained that people who do not have Alzheimer’s but are taking blood pressure drugs were less likely to develop dementia.

He went ahead to say that individuals who got dementia from Alzheimer’s and were taking specific antihypertensives were likely to experience slow or halt progress.

He concluded that it was still not clear where this connection arises.

It can either be from better management of blood pressure or some medications that may have some properties that interfere with some of the processes that relate to Alzheimer’s.

Women with high blood pressure are more like to get dementia

A sex-specific study reveals that women who experience hypertension in their 40’s are 73% more likely to get dementia later in life when compared to the ladies who did not have high blood pressure.

This was in a bid to determine how dementia strikes women and men differently.

Experts who conducted the study said they adjusted the results for other risk factors that can also lead to dementia including diabetes, smoking, and obesity which held true for all races.

This, however, was not the same case for men even though hypertension was more common among the male fraternity. The study that was published in the American Academy of Neurology journal observed more than 7,000 individuals.

The participants went through blood pressure checks at the age of 33 and again at 44 in the 60s and 70s. Researchers began to follow up to see the persons who developed dementia in 1996.

The results indicated that ladies who had hypertension in their 30’s did not have a higher dementia risk as compared to those with high blood pressure in their 40’s.

How Hypertension Affects the Brain

There are several ways high blood pressure affects the function of the brain. One of them is that over time, hypertension causes strain on the arteries.

This makes the artery walls become stiffer, thicker, and narrower a condition known as arteriosclerosis.

When this happens, the brain is deprived of important oxygen and nutrients which results in damaged brain cells that negatively affect the functioning of the brain.

Hypertension is also one of the major stroke risk factors.

One of the major reasons that cause strokes is the blockage of arteries in the brain which is usually a result of hardening arteries.

A stroke can also occur when an artery in the brain burst causing bleeding in the organ. Strokes can result in post-stroke or stroke-related vascular dementia.

When talking about dementia and high blood pressure, it is also important to mention that hypertension can damage small blood vessels in the brain.

This can affect the parts of the brain responsible for memory and thinking.

Closing Remarks

Even though the link between vascular dementia and high blood pressure is quite apparent, there is still no proof that lowering blood pressure can help to prevent the development of dementia.

More research needs to be done to identify the link between hypertension and dementia to see if anything can be done to prevent or treat dementia.

Smoking and Dementia Risk

Petra Boh Blog, Causes February 18, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, smoking

Recently, there has been a lot of controversial information about smoking and dementia. Does it damage brain health?

Some studies strongly state that smoking increases dementia risk.

Other research reveals that there is no link between dementia and smoking. Some reports even suggest that active smoking has beneficial effects on the brain.

Conversely, there is evidence suggesting that active smoking has neurotoxic effects that double the risk of dementia for older adults.

Is There a Link Between Smoking and Dementia?

Tobacco is already recognized as one of the risk factors for several non-communicable diseases. These include diabetes, cancers, chronic lung disease, and cardiovascular diseases.

According to Dr. Douglas Bettcher, tobacco is one of the largest threats to public health killing almost six million people every year.

Below, we will look at both sides of the debate.

This will give a better understanding of whether smoking increasing a person’s risk of getting dementia or not.

Studies Supporting the Fact that Smoking Increases Risk of Dementia

WHO (World Health Organization) published information stating that smokers have a 45% higher risk of developing dementia when compared to non-smokers.

This was done in collaboration with ADI (Alzheimer’s Disease International).

WHO reviewed the evidence that showcases a strong relationship between smoking and dementia risk. The organization also concluded that the risk becomes higher the more an individual smokes.

This is one of the reasons the organization is at the forefront of encouraging people to quit smoking because of all the negative effects it has.

It is estimated that about 14% of Alzheimer’s cases in the globe are attributed to smoking.

Alzheimer’s Society UK supports this statement explaining that there is strong evidence that smoking can increase a person’s risk of developing dementia.

Although not every smoker will end up with dementia, quitting smoking is thought to reduce the risk of equating it to that of non-smokers.

One of the primary reasons behind this is that vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease the two most common dementia forms are linked to issues with the vascular system i.e. blood vessels and heart.

Smoking is known to increase the risk of suffering vascular problems through smaller bleeds inside the brain or strokes.

These are among the top dementia risk factors.

Additionally, the toxins present in cigarette smoke are known to increase inflammation and oxidative stress

Does Second-Hand Smoking Increase the Risk of Dementia?

WHO also warns that passive smoking or exposure to 2nd hand smoke can also increase the risk of developing dementia.

A Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2010 supports the statement that second-hand smoke (SHS) can increase the risk of developing dementia.

The researchers observed 5,201 participants from different parts of the US all of who were 65 years or older for one year.

They also followed another group comprising African American participants for 12 months as well.

Out of these groups, the experts recorded 3,608 participants who had developed dementia after follow-ups.

The researchers asked the subjects if they had lived with a regular smoker and the number of years this happened.

They found out that over 60% of the individuals have lived with a smoker for over 15 years.

The experts concluded that exposure to high levels of second-hand smoking, as well as carotid artery stenosis, was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia, especially over six years.

This study also revealed that the risk of dementia increased three times for people who had more than 25 years of exposure to second-hand smoke.

SHS affects your body in the negative, too

The study goes ahead to explain that tobacco smoke contains numerous carcinogenic or toxic chemicals. These include heavy metals, vinyl chloride, arsenic, formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon monoxide amongst thousands of others.

The chemicals are highly concentrated in SHS when compared to the smoke that smokers inhale.

Studies reveal that exposure to second-hand smoke in adults is associated with a greater risk of cognitive impairment.

While looking into smoking and dementia, second-hand smoke may increase the risk of dementia indirectly because of the aggravating risks that relate to the disease.

SHS causes several vascular changes including the formation of lesions, carotid artery thickening, compromised endothelial function, platelet aggregation, and it may also lead to stroke.

These vascular changes have been known to increase the risk of dementia.

More studies, however, need to be conducted to establish the link between dementia and SHS.

Research that Finds No Link between Smoking and Dementia

While many studies ascertain that smoking increases the risk of dementia, some strongly state that smoking is not related to dementia risk.

One of the studies that support this observed 531 seniors for more than a decade.

The researchers did not find any link between elevated dementia risk and tobacco smoking.

The study was conducted at the University of Kentucky and the researchers said that they used a different method known as “competing for risk analysis” to analyze data.

At baseline, the experts recorded that no participant was cognitively impaired.

During that time, 231 participants were former smokers while 49 were current smokers. After follow-up 111 subjects got a positive dementia diagnosis. 242 persons also passed on without dementia.

Their analysis revealed that smoking led to early death and that smoking was not associated with dementia.

The experts, however, acknowledged that because the study only looked at individuals from a single research center, the results may not necessarily represent other populations.

Why Research on Smoking and Dementia is Complex

Despite researchers carrying out a multitude of studies trying to connect smoking and the risk of dementia, it remains complex for various reasons like:

1. Many studies will not have accurate data because the researchers will focus on comparing individuals and their smoking habits at certain points in their lives.

A person may not be able to tell how much they smoked at that point especially if they have already started to develop some dementia symptoms.

It may help if researchers commit to following a large group of people over a long time recording their smoking habits to collect accurate data.

2. Cigarette smoke contains different toxins and chemicals making it hard to identify the one that is causing the damage. Some experts strongly believe that one of them (nicotine) helps to reduce dementia risk.

3. Some lifestyle risk factors for dementia may be challenging to separate.

For instance, many individuals who smoke also consume alcohol which is another dementia risk factor.

4. Smoking has been documented as one of the leading causes of premature death. A majority of smokers will most likely breathe their last breath before dementia starts to develop.

This implies that smokers who live to be older may have certain traits such as genetics that may not be a true representation of the entire population.

5. Some studies that have reported protective tobacco effects were influenced by players in the tobacco industry.

Closing Thoughts

Because there is still no cure for dementia, it is important to focus more on prevention by changing some of the modifiable risk factors like smoking.

Research on smoking and dementia shows that there may be a decrease in the dementia burden in future years if there will be a decrease in smoking.

More research needs to be done to give out a final stand on whether smoking increases the risk of dementia or not.

Dementia and Head Injury Risk

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes February 18, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, head injury

Numerous studies have been done to find out the connection between dementia and head injury.

This is after suspicion that TBI (traumatic brain injury) which is usually caused by head injury normally disrupts the normal functions of the brain which can affect someone’s cognitive abilities such as thinking and learning skills.

Can a head injury make dementia worse?

Keep in mind that it is not everyone who gets a head injury will end up developing dementia.

The immediate effect of a head injury can induce symptoms that people with dementia also exhibit.

These can include things memory loss, confusion, changes in speech, personality and vision.

They can go away quickly, last for years, or never clear up depending on the severity of the injury.

Causes of Head Injury

Some of the most common causes of head injuries that can lead to traumatic brain injury include:

Car accidents
Being struck on the head by objects
Bullet wounds
Falls
Assault
Injuries that penetrate the brain and skull
Blast injuries, etc.

The above causes the brain to jolt violently in the brain.

Each of them normally has different outcomes for the people they impact.

Some types of TBI can increase the risk of developing various types of dementia including Alzheimer’s years after the injury took place.

Reasons Head Injury may Result in Increased Dementia Risk

There are a couple of mechanisms that explain the link between dementia and head injury.

One of them is that brain injury is known to accelerate or induce the accumulation of abnormal proteins.

This then leads to the death of neurons that are associated with some dementia types like Alzheimer’s disease.

There is also a possibility that trauma leaves the brain more vulnerable to other types of injuries.

Research that has been done on Dementia and Head Injury

As mentioned earlier, researchers have been trying to uncover the link between head injury and increased dementia risk.

Below are examples of research that has been done on this course.

Umea University Study

A study done at the Umea University in Sweden confirms that traumatic brain injury is one of the dementia risk factors.

It was after observing over three million people aged 50 years and above. This was published on 30th January 2018 in the PLOS medical journal.

It indicated that the risk of dementia diagnosis was highest during the first 12 months after the injury.

During this period, individuals with traumatic injuries are 4-6 times likely to get a positive dementia diagnosis when compared to the ones who do not have a traumatic brain injury.

The study also concluded that a traumatic brain injury or a concussion can increase the risk of dementia even 3 decades later.

Another study published in the Journal of Neurology discovered that a history of traumatic brain injury may increase by two or more years the age of onset for cognitive impairment.

Other studies also had similar results indicating that traumatic brain injury causes a significant risk when it comes to cognitive decline in the elderly.

It is also associated with earlier onset of in people with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Increased Risk in Boxers

Some research on dementia and head injury also reveals that boxers have an increased risk of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which is a type of dementia.

CTE symptoms include confusion, memory loss, impulse control problems, impaired judgment, anxiety, aggression, suicidality, and progressive dementia.

The symptoms may show up after years or decades of traumatic brain injury.

This is mostly due to the number of rounds that the professional boxers rather than the times he or she was knocked out.

This implies that when someone suffers mild traumatic repeatedly, they are also at increased risk of getting dementia even when the injuries did not cause unconsciousness.

Researchers are yet to uncover whether CTE is likely to occur after several traumatic brain injuries, a large number of mild traumatic brain injuries, or some other forms of heard trauma patterns.

Brain Issues in other Professional Athletes

Several studies have also been done focusing on professional athletes including boxers, football players, and mixed martial arts fighters.

Most have found a connection to serious brain troubles later in life. These include dementia or CTE.

A UCSF study also reported that the risk of dementia doubles after a person suffers a concussion.

The researchers tracked over 330,000 veterans while trying to find the link between dementia and head injury.

After adjusting sex, age, education, race, and other health conditions, they stated that without loss of consciousness, people who had a concussion were 2.36 times likely to get dementia.

The number was higher for people who lost consciousness at 3.77 times higher.

The research focused on veterans and members of the general public and the findings were similar for both groups.

There is still no evidence that one mild traumatic brain injury can increase the risk of developing dementia.

Nonetheless, there is emerging evidence that states that repeated mild traumatic brain injuries lead to a greater risk of CTE.

Closing Thoughts

More research still needs to be done concerning dementia and head injury.

Scientists are working to establish the link between traumatic brain injury and the increased risk of dementia.

Based on the existing evidence, it is highly recommended that people protect their heads when participating in activities that can lead to head injury.

How to Deal with Dementia and Insomnia

Petra Boh Blog, Causes, Signs February 17, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, insomnia

Many seniors end up suffering from both dementia and insomnia at some point in their lives.

Insomnia affects about 20%-35% of persons who have dementia.

It can be described as a sleeping disorder that causes people to have trouble falling or staying asleep.

The condition can come and go and it can also be chronic or acute.

Acute or short-term insomnia lasts from a single night to a few weeks.

Long-term or chronic insomnia can go on for a minimum of three nights every week to three months or more.

Managing Dementia and Insomnia

Lack of proper sleep often leads to reduced functioning during the day and can also lead to increased health problems that may reduce the quality of life.

Not getting enough sleep can also make dementia worse.

This not only causes strain on ill individuals but caregivers as well. It is not uncommon for persons with dementia to experience early institutionalization because of insomnia.

When caring for a person who has dementia and is experiencing insomnia as well, there are a few tips you can use to manage sleep problems, which we cover in detail below.

Treating Any Underlying Conditions

A person with dementia can experience sleep problems because of some untreated ailments or pain.

Some medical conditions like sleep apnea, depression, or restless leg syndrome can be the cause of sleep issues.

Visiting a doctor as soon as you spot the signs of insomnia can help treat such conditions or alleviate pain to help individuals with dementia enjoy a good night’s sleep.

If you want to know whether a person has sleep apnea, you can watch them as they sleep.

Most people with this condition will stop breathing momentarily because it causes them to pause while breathing.

An individual with restless leg syndrome will twitch or move their legs uncontrollably. Some individuals may experience burning, tingling, or fizzing sensations in the legs.

Avoid Over-Sleeping During the Day

One of the reasons why a person with dementia may not sleep well at night is because they sleep too much during the day making it hard to get some shut-eye at night.

For this reason, it is important to ensure that the individual with the neurodegenerative disease does not spend most of their days sleeping.

While it is okay for a person to take short naps during the day, they should not end up sleeping for hours.

These should only last 30 minutes to an hour.

This means that you have to come up with fun and engaging stuff for the suffering person.

Encouraging physical activity is also important as this promotes better sleep thanks to a better flow of blood in the body.

It will keep them occupied during the day so that they do not resort to sleeping even when they do not have to.

Keeping a person busy during the day also means that they will be tired by the time the sunsets.

This is something that can help them fall asleep faster because their bodies will be craving some relaxation.

Stay Away from Stimulants before Bedtime

Nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol are some of the things that can interfere with sleep.

To manage dementia and insomnia, limit or completely avoid these substances when a person is about to retire to bed.

Effects of caffeine can last many hours; thus, end up interfering with sleep. This substance can lead to frequent awakenings, or challenges initiating sleep.

Although alcohol can offer a sedative effect after a few hours of consumption, it is not advisable to take it at night because it often results in arousals as well as a non-restful night’s sleep.

It is also recommended that you keep away from stimulates during those wakefulness periods at night.

These include things such as engaging in conversations, reading books, or keeping the TV or radio on.

Using Light Therapy

Many people agree that exposure to light therapy especially during the daytime can help maintain the circadian rhythm.

The main source of this light is ideally the sun.

Take the person with dementia outside, and when the sun sets, the body will know that time for sleeping is around the corner.

If the sun is not an option, you can use some special lamps that are designed to emulate light from the sun.

Several studies reveal that light therapy is most beneficial for people with mild to moderate dementia.

Creating an Ideal Sleeping Environment

A person’s sleeping area can end up affecting the quality of sleep.

You want to make sure that the person with dementia and insomnia gets a comfortable place to sleep every night.

Some of the things that can help with the creation of a great sleeping place include:

Where possible, make sure that the individual with dementia only uses their bedroom to sleep or for intimacy. They should move from the room when they wake and not have any meals there. This way, they will associate the specific room with sleeping.
At night the bedroom should remain quiet and relatively dark. Blackout curtains are a great option for eliminating disturbances coming from outside. Persons who insist on sleeping with lights can use low levels ones. If there is noise from the surrounding areas, white noise can help with masking it out. Some experts state that using lights with violet colors helps to induce drowsiness.
The temperatures inside the bedroom also need to remain at comfortable levels.
Beds should be well made and comfortable. Remember to change sheets, pillows, and comforters. You can also invest in special pillows and mattress pads that work for the specific sleeper.
Keeping the room safe may also help. You can re-enforce safety by using the appropriate window and door locks. Motion detectors and door sensors can also be used to alert caregivers when a person starts wandering.
You can consider placing a clock next to the bed that shows a person whether it is day or night.
A person with dementia can try and take a hot shower or bath before bedtime. For some people taking warm milk or cuddling with their favorite soft toy can help with relaxing before sleeping.

Create and Maintain Schedules

Regular routines can help people with dementia sleep better.

Encourage the individual with dementia and insomnia to go to bed and wake up around the same time every day.

A consistent sleep schedule can enhance circadian rhythm to help persons with dementia not only sleep faster but also have better quality sleep.

It can also help to maintain regular meal schedules.

Take Steps towards Reducing Stress

People with dementia are likely to experience stress that can make them suffer from insomnia.

As a caregiver, you can try the following tips to help the person with the neurodegenerative illness reduce stress and probably sleep better.

Let the weak person enjoy some alone time as they engage in the things they love to have a bit of fun and forget about their troubles for a while.

It can be anything from doing hobbies like knitting, playing music, watching movies, and so forth.

They can also socialize with their loved ones as they catch up and make each other laugh one of the best ways to relieve stress.

Help the person talk about their expectations. If some are unrealistic, find a soothing way to tell them that they have to accept that some things cannot be changed.

Although the person may shy away from support, try and give them as much as you can without forcing it so that you can reduce and finally eliminate the harmful effects of stress on the body and mind.

Eating a Healthy Diet

A well-balanced and nutritious diet is important for everyone, more so, individuals with dementia.

When it comes to mealtimes, make sure that persons with the illness do not take heavy meals and processed foods just before bedtime.

If possible they should take their last meals at 6:00 PM. Anything a person eats after this should be low in carbs and sugar.

Experts state that eating some foods around bedtime can help induce sleep.

For instance, calcium is known to help in the production of a natural hormone called melatonin that is responsible for inducing sleepiness.

This means that a person can have a glass of milk before they go to bed.

Oatmeal is another option to consider.

Using Medicine

Most of the time, it is recommended that you try and use natural therapies when dealing with dementia and insomnia. Sadly, this may not work for everyone.

In such cases, it is important to consult a doctor who can prescribe drugs that can help with insomnia.

Sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers are examples of medications that a person can take to help with the situation.

Some doctors may even recommend the use of sleep aids that come with some kind of sedating antihistamine.

Keep in mind that there are some drugs a person may be taking that could be responsible for sleep problems.

The doctor should replace these as soon as possible with alternatives that will not negatively affect a person’s sleep.

Dementia Risk Factors: Will You Get It?

Candace Kastanis Blog, Causes February 17, 2021October 16, 2021dementia, risk factors

It is essential to understand what dementia risk factors are the most common and what to do about them.

Everyone should carefully review them, as they can help with improving your overall life and health and possibly avoid or postpone the deadly disease.

Dementia Risk Factors and Prevention

WHO (World Health Organization) estimates worldwide, 50 million people have dementia and there are approximately 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.

With such a staggering statistic, understanding the risk factors and becoming educated may lower your chances of developing the condition.

What is Dementia Exactly?

Dementia is an umbrella term used to categorize certain symptoms associated with abnormal brain changes such as memory loss and poor judgment.

The condition itself is not reversible and there is not yet a cure.

It is important to clarify dementia is a serious condition, and not a disease of senility or considered to be a normal part of aging.

The causes are related to damaged brain cells that impair cognitive function impacting the ability to perform daily activities such as:

Paying bills
Driving
Using the bathroom
Cooking
Taking medications
Communicating
Self-Care Practices

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

There isn’t a single test administered to diagnose dementia. Rather, a clinical assessment is made to determine the ability to perform cognitive skills needed for independent living.

Types of Dementia

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia and makes up about 60-80% of all cases. progressive brain disease that affects approximately 5.2 Americans and the most common cause of dementia.
Vascular Dementia is the second most common and is also referred to as multi-infarct dementia. It is defined as brain damage caused by multiple strokes (blocked blood vessels which deprive the brain of oxygen). This type of dementia falls into a subcategory of brain diseases called FTLD or Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies is a type of dementia that has distinct physical symptoms such as body stiffness, tremors, insomnia, and visual hallucinations.
Mixed Dementia is usually diagnosed at death. It occurs when there are multiple causes impairing brain function. At autopsy, the biomarkers typically reveal blocked blood vessels and a buildup of tau protein thereby confirming dementia as a diagnosis.

Dementia Risk Factors Explained

Alcohol

Medical experts state that excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time can lead to a host of chronic health conditions including dementia.

Several studies have examined how alcohol impacts brain health.

A study in 2018 discovered alcohol holds potential to inhibits the body’s natural ability to clear amyloid plaque in the brain.

This explains excessive alcohol consumption as a potential risk factor for dementia.

Depression and Isolation

A major study conducted at Florida State University confirmed loneliness as one of the risk factors for dementia. They compiled data over a period of 10 years from approximately 12,000 participants.

The study results cited a 40% increase for risk for dementia as a direct effect of loneliness and depression.

Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes poses serious vascular-related health risks, including dementia. Diabetes damages the blood vessels and causes nerve cell death which leads to further degenerative conditions.

Furthermore, research has concluded that Alzheimer’s patients don’t use glucose properly.

The receptors that communicate how to use insulin fail thus complicating blood sugar management. The lack of oxygen also creates a challenge for effective cell communication.

Obesity

Research has concluded that being “fat” is a big risk factor associated with dementia.

The reason is that being overweight negatively impacts our vascular health.

Adipose (fat) tissues have the potential to cause narrowing within the arteries leading to heart attack or stroke.

Additionally, it can affect the way oxygen is used and transported to important areas of the brain causing irreversible damage.

Smoking

Smoking directly affects vascular health. This translates to challenges in blood pressure, heart function, and breathing, increasing the risk for stroke or heart attack.

The relationship between stroke as a vascular dementia risk factor is very high due to the lack of oxygen to the brain.

The lack of oxygen to the brain creates unseen damage affecting logical thought, memory, judgment, and behavior.

Hearing Loss

The exact relationship between hearing loss and dementia is still being explored.

Researchers conclude dementia is worsened by the loss of hearing. They also indicate in some cases; hearing loss is misdiagnosed as dementia.

Studies also cite the risk for developing dementia doubles in individuals with minor hearing loss, and triples in those with moderate loss.

Sleep Apnea

Research has shown that irregular breathing patterns seen in sleep apnea patients can cause a buildup of beta-amyloid plaques. These disease-related proteins are the major biomarkers represented in Alzheimer’s cases.

NIH has specified untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA as a risk factor for dementia due to compromised oxygen intake and stress on the body.

Sitting for Long Periods of Time

Medical experts agree have always known the lack of physical activity can lead to many health complications.

Engaging in a consistent exercise regimen tops the list of things you can do to avoid the risk of dementia.

A clinical study conducted at UCLA concluded that sitting for long periods of time reduces the thickness in certain areas of the brain that forms new memories.

How To Lessen Your Risk Factors for Dementia?

By educating yourself and partnering with your medical doctor, you can help to lessen your risk for dementia and other chronic diseases.

Top medical experts recommend the following self-care practices to stay healthy and reduce your personal risk for developing dementia.

Find a way to incorporate exercise into your daily life.
Consume nutrient-dense foods whenever possible. Experts advise adopting a Mediterranean style diet to ward off dementia and other chronic health conditions.
Enjoy time with friends and family. Socialize and keep your brain active with stimulating activities such as board games, cards, or reading. A study indicates the risk of board game players is 15% less than that of non-board players.
Manage your weight and stay within the recommended guidelines for blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, and blood sugars.
Get treatment for any sleep disorders, if necessary. There are many modern treatment solutions available for sleep apnea.
If you are showing signs of depression, please reach out to a medical professional for treatment.

Conclusion

Healthcare management cites dementia as a leading cause of disability and care dependence.

Additionally, the projections for dementia cases worldwide are slated to be at 131 million affected persons by the year 2050.

With an ever-pressing need for answers, the research community is committed to finding improved treatment solutions for Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia-related conditions.

Clinical study participation and improved technology assist scientists to better understand the complex actions of the brain.

They also serve to develop new drug therapies and to identify new possible risk factors associated with dementia.

Dementia And Eating Issues In Patients

Rok Krivec Blog, Causes, Signs February 8, 2021October 16, 2021dealing with dementia, dementia, dementia and eating, effects of dementia

For a person with dementia, the topic of dementia and eating is important to discuss.

This is because individuals with dementia usually go through several changes; one of them being how they eat.

Below you will explore some of the common eating challenges persons with dementia face.

It is important to understand each to act accordingly.

Common Eating Challenges for Persons with Dementia

Poor Appetite

A high percentage of individuals who have dementia experience lack of appetite at some point.

There are several explanations of why individuals can lose their appetite, including:

1. Depression

It is common for people with dementia to go through depression, which can be the cause of loss of appetite.

If you notice that a loved one or person under your care has depression, talk to your doctor right away.

He or she will prescribe the ideal medication or other therapies to help treat depression.

2. Constipation

This is another problem that can make one feel nauseous and bloated; thus, feel less likely to eat.

Try and avoid constipation by making sure the person with dementia takes lots of fluid and foods that are rich in fiber. If this condition becomes worse, consult your GP.

3. Communication

An individual who has the illness may have a tough time communicating well that they are hungry or do not like the food in front of them.

Take cue of how such people try and pass the message. For instance, closing the mouth for refusing to swallow can be an indication that they do not like the food that is on the table.

You can offer food choices using pictures and prompts so that a person can enjoy what they are eating.

Other factors that can trigger loss of appetite include when a person is experiencing pain, tiredness, changes in medication, or lack of physical exercises that make one not feel hungry.

Mouth Infections

There are times when dementia and eating issues come about because a person simply cannot eat the food even when they want to.

They can have bad teeth, redness, or sores in the mouth. If this is the case, visit a dentist to get a practical solution.

Caregivers can also help by taking care of their loved ones’ dental hygiene. This includes ensuring that they brush and floss their teeth at least two times a day.

It is also advisable to serve foods that are easy to chew. Solid foods can be cut into small pieces to make them more manageable.

You may also have to seek the services of an occupational therapist if a person is having challenges moving their muscles to open the mouth.

The professionals will come up with ways to help them eat.

Insatiable Appetite

While some people with dementia will experience loss of appetite, others will want to eat non-stop.

It may be possible that they may have forgotten when they had the last meal or be afraid of where the next one will come from.

Naturally, this is not healthy as overeating also comes with its fair share of negative health issues.

To try and tackle such a situation, you can serve five-to-six small meals throughout the day.

You can also avail of low-calorie snacks like carrots and apples that the person will munch on when they feel hungry.

Remember to cut down on processed foods, refined sugars, and foods with high sodium levels.

Engaging the individuals in physical exercises or other enjoyable activities can also help to take their mind off food.

Sweet Cravings

Some individuals with dementia will all over sudden develop a sweet tooth where they are always craving something sweet to eat.

Although you can give in to their demands a couple of times, it is not right to always give them sweet foods that are not good for their health.

To manage the cravings, you can opt to try food items like egg nogs, milkshakes and low-calorie ice cream that can help satisfy the cravings without causing too much damage.

Fruit can come in handy during such times. You should also check some of the side effects that the medicine the person with dementia is on.

Some antidepressant medications can make someone crave sweets. It is also advisable to share meals with your loved ones as this might increase their chances of eating the healthy meal you provide.

Decreased Judgment

Another factor that may contribute to dementia and eating problems in an individual is decreased judgment.

This is where a person with dementia may not be able to know what food items are on their plate or what to do with the cutlery before them.

You may notice that a person tries to eat from a cup rather than a plate.

Some may even use knives to try and pick up food instead of a spoon or fork.

To help with such, you can cue the person with actions or words so that they can mimic the effects of eating like putting food on a spoon and taking it to the mouth.

If the person is still struggling, be respectful and ask if they need assistance and go-ahead to offer a hand in a way that does not make them feel less of a person.

You can also serve finger foods that do not require utensils to consume like sandwiches and miniature quiches.

Swallowing Difficulties

Some patients with dementia will experience Dysphagia, where they have difficulties swallowing food.

This can come about as a result of the changes that occur in the brain.

Environmental changes like noisy dining rooms can also make one experience difficulties while swallowing.

You must be very careful with this because it can cause further problems like choking, poor nutrition, aspiration where food goes down the wrong way in the lungs, and reduced life quality.

To give assistance, it is vital to create a comfortable and relaxed eating environment where a person will be at ease.

You can also use contrasting colored cutlery and plates so that the individual can easily see the food.

It may also help to offer small food amounts so that they can swallow without too much difficulty.

Softer textured food might also be an option as it is easy to chew and swallow.

A speech and language therapist can help when you feel like the swallowing issue is getting out of hand.

Agitation and Irritability

During mealtimes, a person with dementia may experience behavior changes where one becomes angry, agitates, or irritable.

These can manifest in different ways like spitting out food, throwing away the food, or simply refusing to eat.

Before you dismiss the individual, try and find out why they are acting this way.

Some possible reasons for this behavior changes may include:

The food is too hot
A person does not like what is on the table
They are frustrated by the eating difficulties they are facing
Rushed eating
They do not like the eating area or the people around
They want assistance eating, etc.

When faced with such a scenario, remember to be as calm as possible so that it does not escalate and become worse. Never put pressure or rush a person as they eat.

You can also take the food away and wait for them to cool down before offering something to eat or drink.

It is also important to try and read body language to pick up clues on what the person wants.

You should also note that this is not the time for criticism and nagging. Offer plenty of support keeping in mind that the individual may not be in control of how they react.

They act the way they do because of the changes that happen in their brain because of the memory-loss disease.

Declining Motor and Visual Abilities

In regards to dementia and eating problems, the individual with the illness may experience a decline in motor and visual abilities as the disease progresses.

He or she may have a difficult time trying to comprehend where some objects concerning each other.

This often affects co-ordination and movement, which can cause problems when a person is eating.

Some helpful tips that can make things a lot easier for the person with dementia include offering colorful foods that are easily distinguishable.

You may also want to avoid the use of paper napkins or Styrofoam cups that a person might eat by mistake.

Store away the fragile China porcelain and do not place sharp knives on the table. It is also recommended to offer one food at a time to avoid overwhelming the person with dementia.

Closing Thought

Eating well is essential for anyone who has dementia if they want to stay healthy. A balanced diet is key to enhancing the quality of life. Not eating enough makes you prone to unhealthy weight loss, lower muscle strength, higher risk of infection, and a myriad of other health problems.

For people with dementia, it is vital to work closely with a dietician who will advise on the best foods to consume at every stage of the illness.

You should also note that each person’s dementia and eating journey is unique. For this reason, it also helps to take into account an individual’s culture, history, beliefs, and preference when coming up with diet plans.

This will help you to tailor appropriate eating solutions that will meet their preferences and nutritional needs.