VanBuren R. Lemons, M.D., F.A.C.S
Laura J. Anderson, M.D., F.A.C.S
A Neurological Surgery Corporation

VanBuren R. Lemons, M.D., F.A.C.S
Laura J. Anderson, M.D., F.A.C.S
A Neurological Surgery Corporation

Dementia

Laura Jean Anderson, M.D.
VanBuren Ross Lemons, M.D.

Types of Dementias

What is dementia?

Dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive abilities such as memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Although the media portrays dementia as one specific illness, there are many types of dementias, such as:

•Alzheimer’s Disease

•Vascular

•Lewy Bodies

•Parkinson’s Disease

•Frontotemporal

•Creutzfeldt – Jakos Disease

•Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

•Huntington’s Disease

•Wernicke – Korsakoff Syndrom

•Vit B1

Millions of people are affected by the various types of dementia:

U.S. 5.7 Million

Worldwide 47 Million

This includes:

•~1 in 10 adults over age 65 (U.S.)

•~1 in 3 adults over age 80 (U.S.)

•2/3 patients with A.D. are women

•Average life expectancy = 79 years (U.S.)

•[ In 1950, 68 years]

The cost of the disease in dollars is impactful as well:

•$277 Billion/Year (US)

•By 2050, $1.1 Trillion/Year

What can you do to prevent dementia?

While there is no known cure for dementia, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition:

  1. Stay physically active: Regular physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of developing dementia. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

  2. Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of dementia.

  3. Stay mentally active: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as reading, solving puzzles, or learning a new skill.

  4. Manage your health conditions: Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check to reduce the risk of developing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, which have been linked to an increased risk of dementia.

  5. Stay socially active: Maintaining social connections with friends and family has been linked to a lower risk of dementia.

  6. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake: Smoking and heavy drinking can increase the risk of developing dementia.

  7. Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of dementia.

By taking these steps, you can reduce your risk of developing dementia and improve your overall health and wellbeing.