Home Health Center
Dementia
Dementia - Risk
Risk of Dementia
There are some risk factors, which can increase your risk of developing dementia. Here are some of them:
- Age is the topmost factor. Most people experience dementia with advancing age.
- Genetics is another important factor. Offspring of parents who have dementia usually are at an increased risk of developing the condition themselves.
- Prolonged smoking and alcohol use.
- Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the build-up of plaque in the arteries. This increases the risk of vascular dementia.
- People with high cholesterol are at an increased risk of developing the condition as well.
- Diabetes is another factor that increases the risk of developing dementia.
- Mild cognitive impairment caused due to any medical condition may also increase the risk of developing dementia.
Some of the complications from dementia include:
- Inadequate Nutrition: This is one of the most common complaints as at one point of time, patients suffering from dementia begin forgetting their meals. They may also have difficulty in chewing and swallowing.
- Deteriorated Emotional Health: Since dementia alters behavior and personality, it can change the way you behave emotionally.
- Reduced Hygiene: Since there is urinary and fecal incontinence, it can take a toll on hygiene. Those suffering from dementia are also not able to perform their day to day tasks like bathing and washing.
- Difficulty in Communication: A lot of problems arise from this as the person is no longer able to communicate through speech or even gestures.
- Delirium: This is a rare complication that may cause a steep decline in attention and ability to perform even the simplest of actions.