Do you know that a person as young as 40 years can show signs of early dementia without even realizing it? Dementia is a progressive decline in brain function. Nerve cells in the brain die, weaken, or they lose connection to one another.
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Many people think of dementia as “memory loss” associated with old age. That is true, especially in the early stages, but it goes much further than that.
If dementia is not reversed or slowed, it progresses to complete brain failure, resulting in death. It is not simply a mental disorder as many people often perceive.
Continue watching this video to discover 10 early warning signs of dementia. Stick around till the end to learn the underlying cause of dementia, and 10 steps to reverse or prevent cognitive impairment, according to science.
As always, this video is educational and does not constitute medical advice; we are not doctors.
First, let’s talk about Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent type of dementia worldwide, which accounts for over 60% of all dementia cases.
AD is caused by the buildup of proteins (amyloid and Tau), which leads to abnormal changes in the brain, resulting in a loss in cognition, memory, and reasoning.
It is the 6th leading cause of death for adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alzheimer’s affects 10% of Americans over 65 years of age, and 50% of those over 85.
It’s important to know that dementia and Alzheimer’s does NOT suddenly occur once you’re older. It begins when you’re younger and takes decades to develop and worsen.
Other common types of dementia are vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). The last one is the most diagnosed dementia under age 60.
Number 10. Memory loss that affects daily life.
Is the person you know, forgetting things more often or struggling to recall new information?
Some other signs include forgetting important dates or events, asking the same questions over and over, and needing to rely more on memory aids (e.g. reminder notes or electronic devices), or family members for things they used to do on their own.
Number 9. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
Is the person you know, having trouble following a favorite recipe or keeping track of monthly bills?
People with dementia may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
Number 8. Difficulty completing familiar tasks.
Is the person you know, forgetting how to drive to a familiar place, make a grocery list, or play a favorite game?
People with dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks like cooking or getting dressed.
Number 7. Disorientation to time and place.
Is the person you know, having problems knowing what day of the week or the season?
People with dementia may not understand something, if it is not happening right in front of them. They may also forget where they are or how they got there.
Number 6. Trouble understanding visual and spatial information.
Is the person you know, having problems seeing things correctly?
People with dementia may have problems with balance, reading, or judging distance. They may also find it difficult to determine color or contrast, which can cause issues when driving.
Number 5. New problems with words in speaking or writing.
Is the person you know, forgetting simple words or substituting words that don’t fit in a conversation?
People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and do not know how to continue, or they may repeat themselves.
Number 4. Misplacing things and unable to retrace steps.
Is the person you know, putting things in places where they shouldn’t be?
A person living with dementia may lose things, and cannot retrace their steps to find them again. For example, an iron in the freezer, or a watch in the sugar bowl.
Number 3. Impaired judgment.
Is the person you know, not recognizing something that can put health and safety at risk?
People with dementia may experience changes in judgment and decision-making. For example, they may make poor decisions about money or ignore their personal hygiene.
Number 2. Loss of Initiative.
Is the person you know, losing interest in family, friends, and favorite activities, and requires cues and prompting to get involved?
People with dementia may become passive and disinterested, because of changes in their ability to hold or follow a conversation.
Number 1. Changes in personality.
Is the person you know, showing mood swings and personality changes?
People with dementia may become confused, suspicious, sad, or nervous. They may get easily upset at home, with friends, or when out of their comfort zone.
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Next, what is the underlying cause of dementia or Alzheimer’s?
The underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease can be traced to the effects of too much sugar on the brain.
The cycle begins when you overindulge in sugar and don’t eat enough healthy fat. This leads to insulin resistance. You are most likely insulin resistant if you have high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and high LDL cholesterol.
Insulin resistance triggers inflammation, which creates a vicious cycle that wreaks havoc on the brain.
See our video, Top 13 Foods that Cause Inflammation.
Here are the 10 steps you can take to reverse or prevent dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Number 1. Balance your blood sugar with a whole-foods, low-glycemic diet.
You can achieve this and lose weight by taking out the inflammatory bad stuff (refined carbs, sugar, alcohol, processed foods, dairy, and omega-6 rich oils such as vegetable and seed oils). And replace with the anti-inflammatory good stuff (healthy fats like avocados, walnuts, almonds and cashews, olive and coconut oil, grass-fed meats, and pastured chicken and eggs).
Number 2. Consume healthy fats that make your brain happy.
These include omega-3 fats in wild fatty fish, as well as coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, avocados, pastured whole eggs, nuts, and seeds.
Number 3. Exercise daily.
Even a 30-minute walk, run or dance can help. Incorporate high-intensity interval training or weight lifting into your weekly routine. Studies show physical activity can prevent and even slow down the decline of cognitive function.
This is because exercise increases the level of a protein called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which increases the lifespan of neurons by repairing and protecting the brain cells (11).
Number 4. Supplement wisely.
Take an omega-3 supplement, extra B6, B12, and folate, as well as vitamin D3. Also, a good probiotic will enhance the brain-gut connection. Other nutrients shown in studies to slow or reverse the progress of dementia, include alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), curcumin, and Vitamin E.
Number 5. Check your thyroid and sex hormone levels.
If they are out of balance, you’ll want to treat them. Thyroid dysfunction and low levels of estrogen and testosterone are associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Number 6. Detox from mercury, aluminum, or other heavy metals.
Aluminum and fluoride in drinking water have been associated with an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s. If you have high levels, detox by using cilantro and chlorella or find a chelation therapy program. Avoid exposure to items with hazardous toxins such as cosmetics, gasoline, and household cleaners.
Number 7. Control stress levels.
Chronic stress can hurt your body and brain. Relaxation isn’t a luxury if you want to avoid or reverse dementia. Find something that helps you relax, whether it’s deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Number 8. Get 8 hours of sleep every night.
Studies show poor sleep becomes a risk factor for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep every night.
Number 9. Do intermittent fasting.
A new study published by the Journal of Alzheimer’s Association explains that fasting can help reverse cognitive decline (13). This happens because fasting for at least 12 hours forces the body to use ketones for energy instead of glucose, which leads to reduced brain inflammation and increased cell regeneration. See our video “Intermittent Fasting for Beginners.”
Number 10. Build strong brain connections.
A study published in the Lancet shows that less education, social isolation, and hearing loss are strongly correlated with the onset of dementia (8).
A person who is not building strong mental connections makes it easier for dementia to progress. Those at risk should play musical instruments, crossword puzzles, games of strategy, and read more (9).
If you suspect that someone you know might have early signs of dementia, make sure they see a doctor for a diagnosis.
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And now, over to you: Do you know anyone living with dementia? What are they doing about it?
Leave your comments below. We would love to hear from you.
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