Health

Dementia cases are on the rise — avoid these 12 risks to keep your brain healthy

Published

6 months ago

May 12, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

It is a condition that can be caused by a number of diseases that gradually destroy nerve cells and damage the brain, resulting in a decline in cognitive functions, according to the World Health Organization.

With the advancement of medicine, science and technology, people are living longer lives and the world’s aging population is growing at an unprecedented rate, raising the risk of a larger cohort of people living with dementia

“As the global population of older adults continues to rise, the number of people living with dementia is also expected to grow, reaching approximately 139 million dementia cases by the year 2050,” according to a recent report. As of 2023, there were more than 55 million people with dementia globally, according to the WHO.

By 2050, the population of people aged 65 and older will double to 2.1 billion, according to the World Health Organization.

Dementia risks

“Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally,” according to the WHO, with nearly 10 million new cases of dementia every year.

Although there is no cure for the condition, according to research published in 2023 by the WHO, psychologists and researchers are working to prevent its onset.

While age is still the strongest known risk factor for dementia, researchers have found a set of 12 “potentially modifiable risk factors,” according to The Lancet Commission’s 2020 report:

Less education

Hypertension

Hearing impairment

Smoking

Obesity

Depression

Physical inactivity

Diabetes

Low social contact

Excessive alcohol consumption

Traumatic brain injury

Air pollution

“Together the 12 modifiable risk factors account for around 40% of worldwide dementias, which consequently could theoretically be prevented or delayed,” according to The Lancet.

While socioeconomic status and education levels can impact the onset of dementia, particularly in early life, several other risks can be avoided, according to the study.

“What we currently know is — what’s good for your heart is good for your brain, and that’s because there are a lot of vascular risk factors for dementia,” Timothy Singham, Clinical Psychologist and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the National University of Singapore, told CNBC Make It.

So, a lack of physical exercise, eating unhealthy foods, not getting enough sleep, drinking alcohol excessively as well as smoking puts a strain on your brain and risks developing future impairments, just like these pose a risk to one’s heart, said Singham.

While a healthy body can mitigate dementia risks, a healthy mind is no less important.

“We do know [that] people who have cumulative mental health symptoms during their lifetime, actually [have] an increased risk of dementia,” said Singham.

“If we see symptomatic improvement [to one’s mental health] throughout the life course, then that can decrease your chances of having dementia eventually.”

How to cut risks

Here are five key “protective factors” or things people can do to help prevent the onset of dementia:

Regular physical activity

Eating healthy

Building a healthy support network

Having good sleep hygiene

Find ways to regulate stress and emotions

It can be easy to get wrapped up in the quick pace of daily life, so it’s important to take breaks.

“Your mental health suffers really quickly if you’re not — physically active, you don’t get to breathe, you don’t get to see nature much, you’re cooped up in the office or at home all day,” Singham said.

Additionally, it is crucial to build a healthy support network, not just online, but also in-person.

“I think a lot of young people are [leaning on their] online social networks — but we need to not give up the face-to-face [meetups] with friends,” Ng Ai Ling, Deputy Director and Principal Counsellor at Viriya Community Services told CNBC Make It.

“The other thing I would encourage young people to do is have a very disciplined, good sleep hygiene because our brains really really need to rest,” Ng said. She suggests getting at least seven hours of sleep every night.

Lastly, finding ways to regulate emotions and stress is crucial. Finding professional help when required or leaning on your support network are ways to protect your mental health, in addition to the daily upkeep of maintaining a healthy diet, exercise and sleep.

Loved ones’ struggle

As dementia cases continue to rise, mental health professionals expect its impact to extend beyond just those who are directly affected.

“The caregiver themselves are struggling to understand the illness — you lose someone to the illness, and the person who you used to be able to relate to and communicate [with] is no longer the same,” Ng said.

Caregivers and loved ones may risk developing mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and insomnia, Ng explained.

“Suddenly — someone you’re familiar with, and that person is forgetting you, and [they are] unable to perform as [they did] before the illness … There is this emotional distress that you go through,” she said.

Given the challenging situation, it is also important for people around a dementia patient to take care of their own mental and physical health as well, experts said.

Health

UNICEF to vaccinate 3.8 million children in Northern Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The United Nations Children’s Fund has disclosed that no fewer than 3.8 million children would be vaccinated against measles across four Northern states.

The UNICEF Health Officer in Bauchi state, Patrick Ako, disclosed this in a news conference on Friday, noting that the vaccination exercise would commence on Saturday and run for seven days.

He highlighted that the four Northern states where the integrated measles campaign would take place include Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, and Plateau.

“For the measles campaign, we have a target of 3.8 million children from nine months to 59 months, which we are targeting across the four states.

“We have received in all the states a total of over 4 million doses of measles vaccines which have been supplied across the four states,” Ako stated.

The Health Officer explained that UNICEF is also going to launch an oral vaccination campaign against polio across five Northern states.

He said, “For the oral polio vaccination, we have a target of 6.8 million children that we are going to reach from zero to 59 months, which is less than five years across five states of Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe,e, and Adamawa.

“The total number of vaccines that have already gotten to them is 7.4 million doses across these five states.

“We are looking at it that no child should be left behind; all children of an eligible age group should be reached and be vaccinated.”

Also speaking, a Social Behavioural Change Specialist at UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, George Eki, said it became imperative for UNICEF to support the Nigerian government in protecting children against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases.

Health

5 questions to ask your doctor before starting birth control

Published

2 weeks ago

November 2, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

It’s normal to have questions about what birth control method is right for you.

Starting birth control is a big decision, and it can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what questions to ask your doctor.

With so many options available, from pills and patches to implants and IUDs, it’s understandable if you’re feeling confused or anxious.

Finding the right method isn’t just about preventing pregnancy; it’s also about making sure you feel comfortable and healthy with your choice. Your doctor is there to guide you, but it’s important to come prepared with questions that address your concerns, lifestyle, and future plans.

1. What types of birth control are available?
When it comes to birth control, one size does not fit all. Ask your doctor about the different methods available, such as the pill, IUD (intrauterine device), patch, ring, implant, or shot.

Your doctor can explain how each method works, how effective they are, and what the pros and cons are. For example, if you prefer something long-term, an IUD might be a better option. But if you like having more control, the pill could work well.

2. What are the possible side effects?
Every type of birth control has possible side effects. Some people may experience nausea, headaches, weight changes, or mood swings, while others have no side effects at all. It’s important to ask your doctor about what you might expect. If you’re sensitive to hormones, your doctor can suggest non-hormonal options, like the copper IUD. Being aware of side effects in advance can help you know what to look out for and decide what you’re comfortable with.

3. How will birth control affect my period?
Birth control can change your menstrual cycle in different ways. Some methods may make your periods lighter or stop them completely, while others may cause irregular bleeding at first.

If having regular periods is important to you, make sure to mention this to your doctor. They can help you choose a method that aligns with your preferences. If your periods are painful or heavy, certain types of birth control may even help reduce those symptoms.

4. Will birth control interact with my current medications or health conditions?
If you have existing health issues, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of blood clots, some birth control options may not be safe for you. Also, if you’re taking medication for any condition, ask whether it might affect how well your birth control works. Your doctor can guide you to options that won’t interfere with your health or current treatments. Safety should always come first when choosing birth control.

5. What happens if I want to get pregnant in the future?
You’ll need to ask how quickly you can become fertile again after stopping birth control. Some methods, like the pill or the patch, allow for a quick return to fertility, while others, like the shot, may take longer.

If you’re thinking about starting a family in the future, talk to your doctor about which birth control options will work best for your timeline. Planning ahead can make transitioning easier when the time comes.

Health

Cholera claims 10 lives in Enugu

Published

4 weeks ago

October 22, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Enugu State Ministry of Health has confirmed the death of 10 people following a cholera outbreak in the state.

In a letter addressed to the Guild of Medical Directors on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, Dr Egwuonwu Samuel, Director of Medical Services, announced the outbreak and the swift actions being taken to prevent further spread.

The ministry reported several alarming cases of cholera, resulting in 10 fatalities so far. Efforts are already underway by the State Ministry of Health and its partners to contain the outbreak.

“Health facilities and personnel are advised to stay alert for symptoms like acute diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting,” said Dr. Egwuonwu.

“We are calling for the immediate implementation of heightened Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in all medical facilities to stop the spread.”

He urged medical practitioners to take extra precautions and report suspected cases swiftly.

“This outbreak poses a significant public health threat, as cholera is a highly contagious disease typically spread through contaminated water or food. The ministry’s swift action is critical to containing the outbreak and protecting public health.”

Dr. Egwuonwu also appealed to the public to practice strict hygiene measures, including boiling water before drinking, frequent hand washing, and avoiding poorly handled food.

He noted that the Enugu State government would provide further guidelines and updates as the situation develops, while efforts continue in collaboration with local and international health partners to mitigate the outbreak.

(NAN)