Dementia is a condition that becomes increasingly common as we age. Did you know that dementia is the leading cause of death in Belgium? Each year, more people die from the effects of dementia than from lung cancer or cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, there are preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing dementia. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing or avoiding certain health issues in time, you can keep your brain healthier. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and preventive supplements. In this article, we discuss the factors that increase the risk of dementia and what you can do to keep your mind sharp for as long as possible.
What is dementia?
According to the Alzheimer Nederland association, this is the definition of dementia:
Dementia is a collective term for more than fifty brain diseases. It refers to a combination of symptoms (a syndrome) in which the brain can no longer process information properly.
The disease causes the nerve cells in the brain to deteriorate, resulting in the brain functioning less effectively over time. This leads to a gradual decline both physically and mentally. The symptoms are very individual, but often the person dies from an illness, infection, or swallowing difficulties.
Unfortunately, dementia can be caused by hereditary factors, so if dementia runs in your family, there is a chance that you may also develop it at some point. However, this is not always the case. Fortunately, there are preventive measures we can take to support our body and delay the onset of this disease for as long as possible. Read more about this further in this article.
These health problems increase the risk of dementia
Various health problems can significantly increase the risk of dementia. It is important to address these conditions preventively and, if necessary, manage them properly.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss is one of the lesser-known risk factors for dementia. People with hearing problems are up to five times more likely to develop dementia. Therefore, consult an ear specialist promptly if you experience hearing loss and use a hearing aid if necessary. Only 1 in 10 people has normal hearing. Good hearing helps you stay socially active and stimulates the brain.
Depression in later life
Depression in later life can also increase the risk of dementia. Psychological issues such as sadness and loneliness negatively affect brain function. Seek help promptly for depressive symptoms to support your mental health. Speak with a trusted person, such as your doctor or specialist, who can refer you for further care if necessary.
Overweight, diabetes, and high blood pressur
Overweight, diabetes, and high blood pressure are well-known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but they also increase the risk of dementia. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress reduction helps prevent or manage these conditions.
For guidance on a healthy diet, you can turn to Proti Balance. Tackle your excess weight together with your colleagues to improve your health and live a more energetic life.
By adjusting your diet, being active for at least 1 hour every day and supporting your body with supplements, you will significantly reduce your risk of obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. This in turn will lower your risk of dementia.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol levels not only increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but also dementia. X-Nutri red rice can help to lower cholesterol levels naturally. Always consult your doctor before taking supplements in combination with medication.
Work preventively
Prevention is the key to a healthy brain. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, dietary supplements can help to optimally support your brain and heart.
X-Nutri co-enzym Q10 This coenzyme supports the heart muscle and contributes to good energy production in the cells.
X-Nutri Omega 3 Essential fatty acids such as omega 3 ensure that brain cells remain elastic, which contributes to good communication between brain cells.
X-Nutri red rice Helps lower high cholesterol levels.
Concap sport of forte provide sufficient energy throughout the day but also improve focus. These capsules can be used by anyone as they are a basic supplement.
Would you like to use fat-burning supplements?
This can be done by both athletes and non-athletes. Here are some examples of supplements that can be used for this purpose.
X-Nutri L-carnitinedrink is fat-burning and available in three flavours: raspberry, blueberry and lemon/grapefruit. The drinks count towards the recommended daily water intake, as a person should drink at least 2 litres of water per day.
X-Nutri L-carnitine pompelmoes 500ml is a syrup that you take one dose of on an empty stomach in the morning, or one dose before exercising. L-carnitine converts fat into energy, making it popular with both athletes and non-athletes.
X-Nutri A.C. are fat-burning capsules that can be used with or without a diet. Take 2 capsules in the morning on an empty stomach, approximately 30 minutes before breakfast. If you are eating a heavy meal, you can take another 2 capsules half an hour before the main meal.
The Concap Keton drink is a liquid formula that athletes add to their first water bottle during exercise. Non-athletes can take it on an empty stomach to boost fat burning.
Stay mentally and physically active
Regular exercise, maintaining social contacts and brain-stimulating activities such as doing puzzles, playing an instrument or reading help to keep the brain fit.
Conclusion
Reducing the risk of dementia starts with a healthy lifestyle and preventive healthcare. Address hearing loss, depression, obesity and other risk factors in good time. Use supplements such as Q10, omega 3 and forte or exercise to give your body and brain extra support. By taking good care of yourself, you give your brain the best chance of staying healthy for a long time.
Advies op maat
Please visit us at the Proti Balance shops to get advice on your purchases or receive custom advice. If these shops are too far away and you would like to make purchases via the webshop, you can request custom advice via our online formFill this in and receive non-binding protocols in your mailbox based on the information you have shared in the online form.
This can be completed by anyone, from non-athletes who want advice on how to maintain their health to amateurs and (semi-)professional athletes.