In this week’s dementia news, we have discovered that:
- An inactive lifestyle might increase the risk of dementia
- Taking high blood pressure meds can possibly lower dementia risks
- Scientists believe they know how brain cells die during Alzheimer’s
Long Hours of Sitting is a Dementia Risk
As we get older, keeping our brains sharp involves more than just doing crossword puzzles or brain games.
New research is showing that staying physically active can actually help reduce our chances of developing dementia.
Experts are saying seniors who spend most of their day sitting around and not getting much exercise might have up to a 40% higher risk of losing their thinking and memory skills as they age.
Just parking yourself on the couch for more than 10 hours at a time day after day can start to cause some issues.
The reason is that when we’re inactive for such long stretches, less blood flows to our brain, meaning it gets fewer of the nutrients and oxygen it needs to stay healthy.
Over time, brain cells can start to deteriorate, leading to problems like forgetfulness, confusion, and other symptoms of dementia.
The good news is it’s never too late to make a change. Something as simple as taking a daily walk, stretching, or doing chair exercises can get our blood moving and nourish our brains.
The point is to avoid those super long sedentary periods. Our minds and bodies weren’t meant to sit still all day!
So if you’re concerned about your brain health as you age, don’t just focus on puzzles and games. Make sure you’re getting up and moving regularly too – it could make a real difference in keeping your mind sharp.
High Blood Pressure Meds May Reduce Dementia Risks
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure – controlling it now could be key to keeping your memory sharp as you age!
Some new research is showing that blood pressure medications may actually help reduce the risk of dementia down the road for people with hypertension.
If seniors can follow the proper guidelines to lower blood pressure, they are reducing the chances of losing their memory as they age.
Here’s the deal – high blood pressure can gradually damage tiny blood vessels over time, including those that carry oxygen to feed the brain.
When those get damaged, it makes you more vulnerable to memory issues.
Not good.
The encouraging part from these studies found that people who regularly took their prescribed blood pressure medications were less prone to losing their thinking and reasoning skills as they aged.
Here’s how this helps.
First off, they improve blood circulation to the brain, making sure it’s getting the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly.
Since it improves blood circulation to the brain, it will receive more oxygen and nutrients.
Second, the blood pressure is stable, the blood vessels remain undamaged, and it doesn’t affect the memory.
Bottom line – if you’ve been diagnosed with high BP, it’s really important to take those meds just as your doctor prescribes.
Keep your blood pressure under control to protect your brain and heart.
Although more research is necessary, this gives seniors hope. Eventually, if we lower our blood pressure, it will prevent memory decline.
So, speak with your doctor about treatment to get your BP under control.
Your memory will thank you later!
Now We Might Know How Brain Cells Die in Alzheimer's
Scientist now believe they understand why brain cells die in people with Alzheimer’s.
So, here’s the gist: In the brains of people with Alzheimer’s, certain proteins start to act up. Think of them as unwelcome guests at a party.
These proteins, mainly beta-amyloid and tau, gather in groups, forming what experts call plaques and tangles.
And just like those unwanted guests, they interrupt the normal flow of things, especially how brain cells communicate.
What’s more concerning?
These beta-amyloid proteins prevent communication between brain cells.
With time, these brain cells will slowly die.
On the other hand, tau proteins, when tangled up, mess with the cell’s inner workings, eventually leading to the same sad end.
And here’s another twist: these proteins also cause inflammation, sort of adding insult to injury to our brain cells.
This series of events sheds light on why some people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s face memory or thinking challenges.
The silver lining is that now we’ve got this knowledge, we’re better equipped.
Medical experts can spot the early signs and jump into action sooner.
And researchers?
They’re buzzing with excitement, working on strategies to counter these protein culprits, hoping to introduce more effective treatments.
Dementia News - Conclusion
While the world of science continues to shed light on Alzheimer’s, families aren’t alone in this journey.
If your loved ones in the Denver area are grappling with dementia and need memory care, don’t hesitate. Reach out to Applewood Our House.
We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.
