Treatment of dementia depends on its cause. In the case of most progressive dementias, including Alzheimer's disease, there is no cure and no treatment yet that meaningfully slows or stops its progression. Some of the most active areas of research in risk reduction and prevention include cardiovascular factors, mentally stimulating activities, physical fitness, and diet.
Cardiovascular risk factors:
The brain is nourished by one of body's richest networks of blood vessels. Anything that damages blood vessels anywhere in the body can damage blood vessels in the brain, depriving brain cells of vital nourishment and oxygen. Blood vessel changes in the brain are directly linked to vascular dementia, but they often are present along with changes caused by other types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. These changes may interact to cause faster decline or make impairments more severe. So do not smoke, keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar within recommended limits, and maintain a healthy weight.
Participating in active, mentally stimulating activities may delay onset and slow progression of dementia. Some examples of mentally stimulating activities include:
1. Sing songs. Play music.
2. Do arts and crafts, such as painting or knitting.
3. Organize household items, clean the house, particularly if the person used to take pleasure in such tasks.
4. Engage in discussions, attend lectures, socialize with friends and family.
5. Regular trips outside the home; e.g. visit a botanical garden.
6. Read the newspaper or magazines.
7. Look at books the person used to enjoy.
8. Cook or bake simple recipes together.
9. Work on puzzles.
10. Avoid watching too much TV – that is a passive type of activity.
Physical exercise:
Regular physical exercise may help lower the risk of some types of dementia. Evidence suggests exercise may directly benefit brain cells by increasing blood and oxygen flow to the brain among many other potential benefits. Exercise should include both cardiovascular (walking, running, swimming) and resistance (light weights, yoga) type activities.
Diet:
Our diet may have a great impact on brain health in the same way it effects heart health. The best current evidence suggests that heart-healthy eating patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, also may help protect the brain. A Mediterranean diet includes relatively little red meat and emphasizes whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish and shellfish, and nuts, olive oil and other healthy fats.
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