Anxious about getting dementia when I’m older

[Stumpedasatree]

Does anyone else feel like this? I am currently fit and healthy, nearing 50, but feel a massive dread of developing dementia when I’m older. I don't know how to minimise my risk either, apart from trying to keep healthy and active.

This article was in the paper this morning.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/c1ee508d-0cab-4750-bac3-1e0eefdda181?shareToken=c8a6a4778e5ac2b4b7f6862f20dcc264

I’m terrified.
Both grandmothers were in homes with dementia, and now my father is too.

You can sign up and take a cognitive function test here, you then get a reminder annually to do it and compare. There is also advice on how to minimise the risks through lifestyle advice, keeping social, active good diet etc.

https://foodforthebrain.org/test-your-cognitive-function-today-updated/

But op, you won't know about it. As far as you are concerned you're fine. Even if you don't know who you are / think you are 16 again it's mostly distressing for others close to you more than you. Especially if they go along with what you say.
And by the time you are unwell enough to be distressed you won't recall it 5 mins later.

Try to keep mentally agile. Do the crossword, sudoku etc

There's some promising research about the benefits of a low-inflammation diet. (Basically, low/no red meat, sugar, UPF. Plants and fermented foods to build gut health.) Plus other lifestyle choices that reduce inflammation - good sleep, exercise (but not extreme), managing stress.

Keep learning, especially an instrument or a language.

If you want to minimise risk you must use your brain. All the time. Properly. Sudoku yes but new puzzles, the key is new skills. Learning a language or instrument are the best, plus yoga or pilates and again, a new sport. Once you are good and it is routine you either need to really push up the skill level or learn another new skill.

Yes def avoid fake foods, eat red meat, if you drink then red wine is best. Def don't go vegan.

This is what I am doing to stave off dementia. Learning a language in mid life can also delay dementia onset by several years according to research by UCL

Lots of oily fish too, smoked salmon, mackerel. Bananas and other potassium rich foods. Things your brain needs to work properly and repair neurons and networks. Enough salt!

Maintain an active social life
Get your hearing checked.

OP on the subject of red meat, if you're confused by the conflicting posts on here you might want to read what the Alzheimer's Society has to say about it. (They say eat less.)

Diet and dementia | Alzheimer's Society - Connected Content (alzheimers.org.uk)

Yes, I feel this way too. Made worse by watching my mum's decline as she lives with dementia. Obviously, the healthier you can make your lifestyle, the better, but unfortunately it's a pretty indiscriminate disease which can strike anyone. The only thing I have thought of to manage my fears is to plan a lasting power of attorney. I intend to state that if I develop dementia I do not want any medical treatment that will prolong my life in any way. And definitely a "do not resuscitate" order.
Apologies for a very depressing post.

I absolutely feel this way, my great Nan had dementia and two years ago my lovely Nan passed away from dementia. However what I'm more worried about is my lovely dad who is (as far as I'm aware) fit and healthy but it is on his side of the family and I'm terrified of him going the same way as both Nans. It would be devastating but I'd deal with it, and then I worry about myself when I get to a certain age. I. Think I'll definitely get it and I hope I'm not a burden and hope by that time we have the option for self euthanasia 🤞🏻

I agree. My grandmother had an awful decline and because she had no underlying physical illnesses by the end alzheimers had wrought its worst. Mother, however, is fine but I know my temperament is my grandmother's.

I have registered for the cognitive test and will do it tomorrow. I can't be bothered to log on to the laptop at this time. I hope in a year's time when they send me a follow-up reminder that I can remember my password.

Alzheimer's Society has a great booklet that you can read online about reducing dementia risk. There is loads you can do. Diet and exercise are obviously important for overall health but they support against dementia as well. Cognitive stimulation to keep your brain learning and working is key. Keep up with sight and hearing tests. Undetected hearing loss is a big contributor to dementia.

Socialising in groups in a variety of settings makes your brain work harder than one-on-one conversations at home.

Me too! I've given up alcohol, started piano lessons and gone on to HRT. An awareness is a good start and lifestyle changes that will reduce the risk.

Thanks everyone. I currently still work and am learning all the time, but will definitely incorporate some of these tips and keep them consistent as I get older. I’ve also registered for the cognitive test, thank you! My mum is 75 and seems ok so far. I have no other older close blood relatives.

@Leeds3 Do an advanced directive.
I have already done one, and made it clear to DC, that if I end up like my poor DF & DGMs I don’t want to have any antibiotics for UTI’s, pneumonia or anything. They can make me as comfortable and as pain free as possible but I don’t want any life prolonging treatment.

Yes don't put off getting hearing aids as soon as needed.

I've also seen articles saying vitamin d and omega 3 (cod liver oil anyone?) helps to reduce that risk as well as keeping active and mentally stimulated.

Make whatever lifestyle changes you need to avoid type 2 diabetes.

”What’s good for the heart is good for the brain” is a useful phrase, I think. There have been many public health campaigns about heart disease and ways to prevent it, but I didn’t know until recently that the same measures can help to prevent dementia.

What is the link with hearing? I haven't heard that.

My dh is terrified of this as his dad developed early-onset Alzheimer's in his late 60s. He's now 78 and spoon fed puréed food and doesn't recognise anyone, even his partner who goes every week - we are in Scotland and fil in NI so we can only visit occasionally and he doesn't know us at all now).

He's been watching his diet, trying to lose weight, his job as a doctor keeps his mind active, but he's still terrified I'll end up caring for him in 20 years.

You can only try and keep healthy with good diet and exercise, and sort out any hearing problems, then hope for the best.

It's the only disease that I worry about but don't worry too much. I'm 70 this year - my mother lived until 92 and wasn't affected. My family is small though so whether my mother's good fortune is relevant to me I don't know!