Evaluating the most effective methods of preventing dementia is difficult. By the time a person shows the signs of dementia, the changes to the brain have been taking place for many years. It addition, to slow the progression of dementia, a patient may need to combine several preventative strategies. Developing clinical trials to evaluate the different types of dementia, and all of the possible lifestyle factors that might reduce, or increase, a person’s risk of developing dementia is difficult. There are lifestyle modification recommendations that will help a person live a healthy lifestyle but they have not yet been proven to prevent or slow the progression of dementia. Stem cell therapy at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica may help improve the symptoms of dementia and potentially slow or reverse the progression of the disease but it is still unclear how a person can stop the disease from developing in the first place.
Regular exercise, managing diabetes and hypertension, stopping smoking, and maintaining social engagements can help you maintain your overall health and feeling of well-being but they have not yet been proven to prevent dementia. A group of experts in the area of psychiatry and dementia recently published an article entitled “Dementia prevention, intervention and care”. In the article they did a meta-analysis of the modifiable risk factors currently listed in the United Kingdom and United States medical guidelines (NICE and NIH), and found the following four risk factors have the greatest impact on a person developing dementia;
- Education
At an early age the higher the level of education the lower the risk of developing dementia. Two studies in the United States showed an increase in education was associated with a decrease in developing dementia.
- Hearing loss
Hearing loss was a greater risk factor for developing dementia than any other potential modifiable risk factor. The association between hearing loss and dementia is not clear but until researchers have a better understanding, it is important to remember to protect one’s hearing and seek medical care at the first sign of any loss of hearing.
- Depression
After the age of 60, a person suffering from depression has a greater risk of also suffering from dementia
Research has shown a link between the number of depressive episodes and dementia. Depression increases stress hormones such as cortisol, which is associated with cognitive impairment. Some patients who suffer from depression experience atrophy of the hippocampus which plays a critical role in learning and memory. Some antidepressants used to treat depression may decrease the production of beta amyloid which in patients with dementia, sticks together causing plaques.
- Diet
Several studies have shown a strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet reduces cognitive decline.
Dementia is a fatal, neurodegenerative disease, characterized by chronic inflammation and neuronal loss resulting in amnesia, progressive cognitive impairment, and disorientation. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia with more than 5 million people in the United States living with this devastating disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death, killing more people than prostate cancer and breast cancer combined. However, there are currently only five FDA approved medications in the United States, and six medications available globally. Current pharmaceutical treatment options do not address the underlying cause of the disease, but hope to reduce cognitive impairment and improve quality of life.2
Transplantation of stem cells at sites of neuronal degeneration is a very promising approach for the treatment of different neurological diseases such as Alzheimer`s Disease. Treatment at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute could help improve the symptoms of Alzheimer´s disease including:
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Loss of recent memories
- Depression
- Apathy
- Social withdrawal
- Mood swings
- Distrust in others
- Irritability and aggressiveness
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Wandering
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease contact the experts at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute to discuss treatment options. To read further about the potential benefits of stem cell therapy read our news article from January 16, “Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease: From animal models to human clinical trials”. The professionals at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute want to help you live your best life. Contact us today.
