Index
- The right gestures to avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients
- A healthy lifestyle to avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients
- Intellectual activity to prevent dementia in Parkinson's patients
- Dance to prevent dementia in Parkinson's patients
- Foods to avoid Parkinson's disease
The right gestures to avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients
A new case of dementia is registered every three seconds worldwide. Generally, dementia in Parkinson's patients develops within 10 to 15 years after the first appearance of symptoms of the disease. It is determined by a slow and increasing loss of cognitive functions with a loss of memory. Learning, judgement and thinking are also affected. It is especially after the age of 70 that all these signs begin to develop inexorably and 40 Parkinson's sufferers are affected. So, how can we avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients?
A healthy lifestyle to avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients
Lifestyle has an impact on the development of dementia and cognitive impairment in Parkinson's patients. It is possible to delay the progression of cognitive decline or avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients. In order to do this, the following risk factors should be banned from lifestyle habits.
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Unbalanced diets
- Alcohol abuse
- High blood pressure
- Overweight
- The high sugar level
- High cholesterol levels
Of all these factors, smoking is the most dangerous for its effects on the cardiovascular system. Otherwise, the deterioration of the blood cells due to oxidation of the cells causes them to lose their elasticity. Thus, the WHO advises patients to stop smoking in order to avoid the risk of dementia in Parkinson's patients.
The main risks of a sedentary lifestyle for Parkinson's patients Movement and physical exercise is recommended for Parkinson's patients. Indeed, a sedentary lifestyle is a real health hazard, especially for people in their forties and over. Sitting for at least 7 hours promotes the development of cardiovascular disease. Parkinson's patients must therefore be aware of the effects of a sedentary lifestyle to avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients.
- Poor oxygenation of the brain: This leads to a decrease in hormonal activity and production, which in turn leads to a deterioration in cognitive functions.
- A weakening of the blood circulation: It can notably cause thrombosis or varicose veins.
- Atrophy of the muscles, vessels and fibres and a clear decrease in resistance to effort.
- An increased risk of diabetes because the insulin produced is no longer effective.
- Heart failure: The heart does not pump enough blood to properly oxygenate the organs and muscles.
- Exposure to osteoarthritis and muscular and skeletal disorders.
Thus, physical inactivity is strongly discouraged to avoid dementia in Parkinson's patients.
Intellectual activity to prevent dementia in Parkinson's patients
The level of education or a stimulating intellectual activity can prevent dementia in Parkinson's patients. The more individuals use their brains, the lower the risk of developing dementia. Scientists call this the cognitive reserve theory. Devoting time to learning and engaging in good relationships with those around you and with society. These are the Parkinsonian's main assets. In general, thanks to this, the number of functional connections between neurons tends to increase and the risk of dementia is considerably reduced. The explanation lies in the fact that the brain manages to compensate for the lost neurons by acting on other neuron circuits. By attaching importance to learning at any age, an individual will only develop neurodegenerative diseases at a later age.
Dance to prevent dementia in Parkinson's patients
Get active and move. These are activities that prevent the Parkinson's patient's limbs from shaking. The practice of physical activity is positive for neurological diseases and prevents dementia in Parkinson's patients. Dance is then called dance therapy. Movement, rhythm, voice, all contribute to the patient's good mood, but also stimulates the brain. Meeting up with friends in a joyful and festive atmosphere will help people with Parkinson's disease to assert themselves and gain self-confidence.
The main signs of Parkinson's are:
- Tremors
- Speech problems
- Problems of balance
These are the reasons why exercises and movements are recommended for Parkinson's patients. Dance is seen as a therapeutic means of improving mobility and balance.
Foods to avoid Parkinson's disease
Antioxidant vegetables are at the top of the list to prevent dementia in Parkinson's patients. They are among others:
- Potatoes
- Aubergines
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Cabbages
- Peppers
Cinnamon, turmeric and ginger are also recommended. On the other hand, dairy products, corn and gluten should be avoided. Also to prevent Parkinson's disease, food supplements such as NAC (N-acetylcysteine), vitamin D and mucuna or peas should be prioritised.