2 key ways parents can help prevent dementia for their kids in later life

453     0
Dementia can devastate families (Image: Getty Images/Maskot)
Dementia can devastate families (Image: Getty Images/Maskot)

There are two dementia "risk factors" parents of young children should consider to lessen the chance of their little ones developing dementia much later in life.

Although dementia overwhelmingly affects people later in life, research has repeatedly shown that addressing determining factors such as hypertension and smoking before symptoms present themselves is an effective way to tackle the disease.

Experts have predicted that dementia is on the rise in the US, with currently over one in 10 adults in the US over the age of 65 have it and one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia.

According to the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the global federation of over 100 Alzheimer’s and dementia associations, tackling dementia risk factors for individuals, both before and after a diagnosis, can reduce or slow down the development of the disease.

2 key ways parents can help prevent dementia for their kids in later life etiqkzihqieeinvDementia affects peoples' ability to remember (Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

Although providing 12 key risk-factors for the development of dementia, two of these were highlighted which parents should be particularly wary of - air pollution and restricted access to early education.

Family of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be bannedFamily of great-great-gran, 83, killed by dog call for Bully breed to be banned

Although the ADI stresses these factors should be tackled on a governmental level, an active concern from parents would also help.

“Even though new treatments are now on the horizon, they will not be instantly available or suitable in the majority of cases,” says ADI CEO, Paola Barbarino. “As we now know a lot more about reducing the risk of developing dementia, this is one of the best ways to tackle the escalating numbers. There’s clear evidence that demonstrates pre-and-post-diagnosis risk-reduction works.”

2 key ways parents can help prevent dementia for their kids in later lifeAlthough cases are on the rise, healthcare for dementia patients is also improving rapidly (InYourArea)

She added: “It’s never too early, and it’s never too late to reduce dementia risk.”

Most experts on childhood education argue the parents play a crucial role. If parents can take an active part in this early education then one of the dementia risk factors would be addressed.

Pollution is a widespread problem across the car-dependent world, so finding routes through the city that aren't polluted along with, where possible, finding somewhere to live not along a busy road, could tackle this other dementia risk factor.

Although parents can take an active role, environmental and societal impacts may limit them. That's why governments also need to be involved, the ADI says.

Ms Barbarino said: “We are calling on governments worldwide to invest in both research and support services, to reduce dementia risk, and to invest in risk reduction awareness campaigns; clear, persuasive campaigns that cut through the noise and confusion of much of the healthcare messaging.

“This is a critical step, in the absence of treatment or a cure, to prevent as many cases as possible. We must ensure populations are aware of dementia risk-reduction strategies, at all ages, and have access to necessary information, advice, and support services.”

Charlie Jones

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus