As of: February 3, 2024, 3:10 p.m
By: Laura Knops
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Around 55 different diseases fall under the umbrella term dementia.
Very few are hereditary.
Various factors play a role in the development of dementia.
In addition to genetic predisposition, lifestyle is also very important.
After all, according to the German Brain Foundation,
around a third of all Alzheimer's dementia diseases appear
to be preventable through a healthy lifestyle well into old age.
What you can do about it and how important exercise and nutrition are.
Alzheimer's and dementia: Everyone has it in their own hands
Genetic predisposition only plays a role in a few types of dementia.
Rather, lifestyle has a decisive influence on the development of the disease.
© Science Photo Library/Imago
Doctors group around 55 different diseases together under the umbrella term dementia, with Alzheimer's being one of the most common forms.
Dementia can therefore manifest itself differently from person to person and the course of the disease is also very individual.
While some forms are easier to prevent and treat, others are much more difficult.
“Nevertheless, everyone has it in their own hands to reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s; we can do something.
The prospect of remaining mentally fit into old age should motivate us to live healthily,” explains Prof. Dr.
Frank Erbguth, President of the
German Brain Foundation.
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When it comes to preventing dementia and Alzheimer's, the basic rule is: What harms the body also affects the brain.
Only around one to two percent of all diseases can be traced back to one of the rare genetically inherited forms.
In addition to genetic predisposition, lifestyle plays a crucial role.
There are numerous organic factors that promote the development of the neurodegenerative disease.
“But none of them are so strong that they definitely predict the onset of dementia,” explained Andreas Winkler,
neurologist and vice president of Alzheimer Austria
, to the
Standard.
Risk factors: Lifestyle affects memory
The risk of dementia can be reduced many years before the disease actually breaks out.
Especially between the ages of 40 and 60, risk factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and too little exercise should be avoided.
After all, alcohol not only damages our liver cells, but also attacks the gray and white matter of the brain in the long term.
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Another important measure in preventing dementia is regular physical activity.
According to the recommendations of the
World Health Organization (WHO),
adults should incorporate at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise per week into their daily routine.
A recent study from Great Britain also showed that just 3,800 steps daily have a protective effect on the risk of dementia.
A healthy diet has a preventative effect: avoid high blood pressure
Sport can not only counteract memory loss.
The risk of high blood pressure is also reduced - which in turn has a positive effect on the brain.
English scientists were able to prove that the risk of dementia decreases with good blood pressure control.
Another study from the USA also came to the conclusion that certain antihypertensive drugs protect mental ability better.
A healthy Mediterranean diet strengthens the cardiovascular system and protects against high blood pressure.
The so-called “Mediterranean diet” is characterized by lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, olive oil and fish.
Meat and dairy products are largely avoided.
According to researchers at the
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE),
this diet also protects against Alzheimer's.
Accordingly, study participants who adhered to a Mediterranean diet had better cognitive values, larger brain volume in memory-relevant brain regions and lower Alzheimer's biomarkers.
Education and mental health: Particularly important at a young age
In addition to the physical factors, experts also recommend not neglecting the psychological aspect.
With more education, dementia can be prevented or delayed, as a
Lancet report
shows.
Education is therefore the only relevant factor under the age of 45.
Whether someone develops dementia as they get older depends largely on how much they learned at school.
According to the authors of the report, low education is associated with a 60 percent increased risk of dementia.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.