Dementia is a serious condition/sickness that affects millions of people worldwide. In the year 2019, an estimated 57 million people were diagnosed with dementia, and by the year 2050, this number is expected to rise to 153 million.  This increase is mainly due to the growing number of people in our community and more people living longer than before.

 

     The bar graph shows the projected increase in total dementia cases and new dementia cases from 2020 to 2050

 

Dementia is a growing condition that affects how people think, behave and remember, Creating challenges in everyday life, not only for those who have dementia but the people around them, and the health care system. Even though dementia affects many people, we still do not have a cure. We also do not know what fully causes it, however, researchers believe that if we look into our lifestyle (choices), such as what we eat, how we exercise and how we connect to others in our community, we might be able to find ways to delay or even prevent dementia. 

 

In this project, we will explore how specific lifestyle choices can affect the chances of developing dementia.  

 

 

Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people around the world. It impacts how we act, connect with others, and learn, creating challenges in our everyday lives. Despite its widespread effects, we still do not fully understand what causes dementia, and unfortunately, there is no cure yet.

 

For my project, I needed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. This means I looked at numbers, such as the number of people diagnosed with dementia, and explored how the risk of developing dementia increases based on certain factors. I also used words and images to deepen my understanding of this important topic.

 

1. Data Collection:

• I collected secondary data from various sources, including websites, videos, and journals.

• I made sure to use trusted and reliable sources, verifying that the facts I found were consistent across multiple websites.

 

2. Key Areas of Research:

• I focused on several important aspects of dementia:

• Causes of dementia

• Types of dementia

• Ways to prevent it

• Risk factors associated with dementia

 

3. Daily Research:

• I dedicated time almost every day to research, which helped me gain a better understanding of the topic.

 

4. Data Analysis:

• I recorded my findings, noting that while I gathered many quantitative results, most of the data were qualitative, providing deeper insights into personal experiences and perspectives.

5. Research Approach

• I chose a research approach for this project because I could not conduct an experiment or create something new. Additionally, it would be challenging and time-consuming to find individuals with dementia for a survey.

 

 

 In my opinion, we can reduce the effects of dementia and even delay if we consider modifying habits that affect our lifestyle choices. 

 

Dementia is a general term that describes a group of symptoms that affect brain function. This condition affects millions worldwide, and a decline in Cognitive function marks it, It also includes symptoms such as:

 

• Memory loss is unusual forgetting, being unable to remember dates, memories, and the past, It may be quick and then resolve or worse over time.

• Reasoning It becomes harder for you to use the process of thinking to generate a conclusion or an observation.

• Social skills You may notice that communicating with others may become difficult. Asking for help, and developing healthy relationships will also become more difficult.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) States that the number of people living with this condition will increase as the population ages. Even though there is no cure for this condition, Many researchers, journals and websites such as Alzheimer's Society have conducted research and important information/studies highlighting the Risk Factors of Dementia. 

Why do we get dementia? And what happens to our bodies?

 

First, we have to understand that there are different types of dementia:

• Alzheimer's Is the most common type of dementia, this happens because of the build-up of Amyloid Plaques and Tau tangles.

•  Vascular dementia This type often results in Strokes or different conditions that may block blood flow to the brain due to reduced oxygen and nutrients.

• Lewy body dementia includes the build-up of abnormal Proteins in our brains which interfere with the brain cell's work. This could cause Hallucinations and change how aware someone is.

• Frontotemporal Dementia affects the Frontal and temporal lobes of one’s brain.

• There are more types of dementia such as Parkinsons disease.

 

 

This image shows the different types of dementia, from the Alzheimers Society.

 

Things that increase the chances of dementia:

• Age: The chances of getting dementia increase as you age, 1 in 10 people get dementia over the age of 65. When your 85 that number jumps to 1 in 3 people. 

 

  

Estimated Prevalence in a population aged 65 years and older

 

• Family history: Having A family member that had or has dementia, may cause you to gain it too. Alzheimer's can be inherited especially if there are certain genes such as APOE ε4, Which increase the risk of getting dementia by 60% when you are over 85.

• Heart health: having conditions that affect the heart such as High blood levels. Diabetes and High Cholesterol may increase the chances of dementia because It affects blood flow to the brain. 

 

High Blood pressure affects the Blood flow.

 

• Obesity: Being Significantly overweight, may increase your chances of developing Dementia. 

• Depression (mental health):  It is a mood disorder, that gets you to feel Sad and Stressed. It also increases the chances of developing Dementia.

• Physical Inactivity: Avoiding exercise or not getting enough leads to health problems that increase the risk of Dementia.

 

This image shows us the effects of Exercise on the brain.

 

• Poor Diet: Eating too much unhealthy food daily can negatively affect Our Brains, This includes the following.

• Smoking: Tobacco And Vaping both reduce Blood flow to the brain. Increasing the risk

• Alcohol: Drinking a lot affects your brain and body since it leads to heart disease. When you drink a lot you do not necessarily eat well, which also affects the brain.

 

 

• Low Education: Studies show that not having enough years of education or having fewer years of education can be linked to developing a higher chance of dementia since  learning engages your brain through memorizing and problem-solving.  

• Isolation: Not being with others or lacking Social engagement can increase Cognitive Decline.

• Head Injuries: Severe Head Injuries that occurred in the past, Especially If it was repeated Also Play a role in increasing the chances of developing Dementia.

• Sleep Disorders: Conditions That affect sleep negatively such as Sleep Apnea, affect brain health; Increasing your risk of getting Dementia. Not having enough sleep also leads to cognitive Decline.

• Air Pollution: Being exposed to toxins And Pollutants from and in the environment, may be linked to Cognitive issues.

• Menopause: Changes in women after menopause, Impact the brain health and increase Dementia risk.

 

Now we have covered the risk factors, We need to know that there are ways to protect ourselves from or prevent dementia:

 

• Cognitive Training: Training your brain by doing activities including games and puzzles and learning new skills. 

• Staying Active: Exercise and Physical activity regularly, Keeps the blood and oxygen flowing to the brain.

 

This image shows what happens to the brain after Physical activity.

 

• Healthy diet: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats such as fish support Brain Health.

• Healthy Relationship: Connections with people in the community and being with friends and family boost your mental health and keep your mind engaged.

• Hydration: Being hydrated helps your overall body and brain health.

 

Different cultures have different perspectives on dementia, Some cultures believe dementia Is a normal and natural part of aging, while others think it is a severe medical issue that must be treated. Some cultures encourage giving the person who developed dementia care and support from the family to ease his pains and troubles. Elders live with their families to help them with communication and other daily tasks, this shows the importance of familial responsibilities. In different cultures, traditional medicine is preferred over modern Western medicine. There are many examples of how different cultures see dementia;

 

• Inuit Culture: Indigenous people often engage in Traditional activities such as Hunting, gathering and Fishing Which help their bodies mentally and physically. Their Diet also is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, from seafood and marine animals, which support brain and heart health. Their communities were also close to each other, which can reduce depression, isolation and stress which are factors that contribute to Dementia. 

 

• Asian Culture: In this culture, it is an honour and duty to take care of elderly family members since they are respected for their life experiences and wisdom, this creates a supportive environment for those with Dementia. There are many resources for people with Dementia like care centres that involve family care and cultural tradition.

 

• Western cultures: Here, there is a bigger focus on medicine and solutions to dementia such as therapy and Medications, Families put their loved ones in care homes that specialize with dementia. Also, there is a lot of research on Dementia which leads to new treatments and Interventions. However, this also means that there is less caring for families.

 

 

 People living in different areas of the world may have a lower chance of developing dementia compared to people who live in different areas.

 

• Economic Stability: Areas that have lower rates of dementia, are areas that have better economic conditions, as citizens and residents will have access to better healthcare and lifestyles. 

• Culture and Lifestyle: Areas with physical activities and a tradition of eating healthy have a lower chance of developing dementia.

• Pollution and Toxins: Having environmental toxins and pollution in your environment may negatively impact your brain health. 

• Access to Green spaces: Areas with recreational spaces and parks Help your mental well-being, lowering the risk of developing dementia. 

• Research has shown that people living in rural areas have a lower chance of developing dementia compared to those who live in urban areas. 

 

• Women have a greater chance of developing Dementia compared to Men. Around twice the number of women have Alzheimer's compared to men. This is simply because women tend to live longer compared to men. Living Longer is also the biggest risk factor for Dementia.

 

This shows the number of people who suffer from Dementia from both genders from the age of 60 and up

 

 

Dementia: Understanding the Risks and Finding Ways to Prevent It
Dementia is a condition that affects how people think, remember, and act. It can make everyday tasks challenging and impact how people connect with others. While there's no cure yet, we're learning a lot about what causes dementia and how we can reduce our risk!

What Causes Dementia?
Age:

The prevalence of dementia more than doubles every 5 years for Canadians age 65 and older:
0.8% for seniors age 65–69
2.4% for seniors age 70–74
5.9% for seniors age 75–79
12.4% for seniors age 80–84
25% for seniors age 85 and older
Genetics:

About 1 in 9 people age 65 and older (approximately 10.9%) has Alzheimer's disease, which is a common form of dementia.
Health Conditions:

Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can increase the risk of dementia. For example, managing these conditions can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia by up to 30%.
Lifestyle Choices:

Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly affect brain health. Studies show that a healthy lifestyle can lower dementia risk by up to 50%.
Social Isolation:

Feeling lonely and not having close connections with others can increase the risk of dementia. Engaging socially can reduce this risk by promoting mental engagement.
Preventing Dementia: It's All About Brain Power!
The good news is that we can take steps to protect our brains and reduce our risk of dementia! Here are some key strategies:

Eat a Brain-Boosting Diet:

Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. A balanced diet can reduce the likelihood of developing dementia by up to 30%.
Get Moving!

Regular exercise is like a workout for your brain. It helps improve blood flow and keeps your brain cells healthy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
Challenge Your Mind:

Engage in activities that make you think, like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills. Keeping your brain active can lower dementia risk by up to 20%.
Manage Your Health:

Work with your doctor to manage health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Effective management can reduce dementia risk significantly.
Connect with Others:

Stay social and build strong relationships with family and friends. Social interaction helps keep your brain active and engaged.
Say No to Smoking and Limit Alcohol:

These habits can harm your brain and increase your risk of dementia. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk by up to 50%.

By analyzing and studying the many important factors, my project aimed to discover the many ways to postpone/delay or prevent Dementia. My research shows that lifestyle choices, including nutrition, physical activity and social engagement, are very vital for preserving brain health and function and greatly impact the risks of Dementia. Understanding these links is important as it can help people make the right choices, and this happening will reduce the risk of Dementia in our societies. 

I advise and encourage everyone to take a few moments and ponder how their lifestyle choices affect their mental health, Little changes could have a great impact! I believe that future studies may have a greater focus on how specific diets, exercise patterns and other factors can be the most effective in delaying Dementia. 

 

 

• Goldman, Brian. “Navigating the Path Forward for Dementia in Canada: The Landmark Study Report #1.” Alzheimer Society of Canada, https://alzheimer.ca/en/research/reports-dementia/navigating-path-forward-landmark-report-1. Accessed 30 December 2024.

• “What is Dementia? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | alz.org.” Alzheimer's Association,

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia. Accessed 5 January 2025.

• “Dementia.” World Health Organization (WHO), 15 March 2023, c Accessed 9 January 2025.

• “Dementia: Risk factors and prevention.” Canada.ca, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/dementia/risk-factors-prevention.html. Accessed 9 January 2025.

• “Dementia.” World Health Organization (WHO), 15 March 2023, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia. Accessed 9 January 2025.

• Rebeck, William. “Alzheimer's Disease Genetic Risk Factor APOE-ε4 Also Affects Normal Brain Function.” PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839141/. Accessed 17 January 2025.

• “Omega-3 Fatty Acids & the Important Role They Play.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17290-omega-3-fatty-acids. Accessed 22 January 2025.

• Dementia risk in a diverse population: A single-region nested case-control study in the East End of London, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9088197/. Accessed 22 January 2025.

• “Research - Why is dementia different for women?” Alzheimer's Society, 8 March 2024, https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/why-dementia-different-women. Accessed 4 February 2025.

I want to give a big thank you to my parents, my classmates, my brother, and all my teachers. They have been there for me through highs and lows, cheering me on when things were tough and celebrating my successes. I couldn't have done this without their amazing support!