Maintaining Cognitive Function As You Age

Dementia Treatment

As the science of medicine extensively researches and improves the treatment of dementia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's Disease, it is also becoming more aware of the factors over a lifetime that can prevent development of these conditions.

As the average lifespan increases for both males and females, the incidence of these age-related conditions rises.  Worldwide 24 million people are already affected by the cognitive impairment of dementia.  In more developed countries, 70% of these patients are 75 years or older.  Now there is growing evidence that the exposure over a lifetime to certain risk factors is evident.  Even with genetic susceptibility, actions can be taken to prevent the onset or the severity:

• active involvement in physical, mental and social activities has been previously described in this blog as being important; these activities provide brain stimulation and exercise
• blood pressure control
• treatment of diabetes

As time goes on, even more evidence-based research will pinpoint ways all people can minimize their risk of being affected.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309