KEY POINTS

  • Many seniors today are suffering from dementia
  • Certain lifestyle changes can actually help in lowering the risk of developing the condition
  • Drinking a certain hot beverage every day will certainly do the trick 

Dementia is a life-altering ailment. The progressive neurological illness is particularly upsetting for those affected and families. Although scientists are still not sure how to prevent dementia, there is evidence that suggests early interventions in lifestyle may lower the risk of its development in the future. A recent study has identified a popular hot drink that may help achieve this.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a broad term used by medical professionals for a group of symptoms associated with declining brain functions. While dementia may often affect people as they age, it is not part of aging.

prevent the onset of dementia
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The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. This neurological disorder is characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss.

Can Dementia be Stopped?

Although scientists still have not discovered a way to stop neurological disorders identified with dementia-like Alzheimer's, a recently published study has evidence that early interventions can reduce the risk.

Dr. Elisabet Rothenberg and her team of researchers set out to analyze and collate findings of past studies that examine if specific dietary choices reduce the risk of dementia. Among the disorders associated with dementia, they studied were Parkinson’s or PD and Alzheimer's disease or AD.

Coffee Consumption

Their findings suggest that higher consumption of coffee may help reduce the risks of developing these disorders and at the same time, alleviate its symptoms. Dr. Rothenberg said that they found drinking up to five cups of coffee per day can help defend against developing neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s Disease.

Although they still have to establish the link, Dr. Rothenberg’s team hopes their findings will inspire more studies of coffee and dementia. She said that neurodegenerative disorders like PD and AD could alter life conditions by damaging functional capacity. It also has intense effects on the victim’s well-being and independence.

At present, there is no available curative treatment for these conditions. It is, therefore, vital to minimize the risk of developing these disorders. Dr. Rothenberg also revealed that new studies had shown hopeful results regarding the effect of lifestyle factors, which include diet. She also said that they had been keenly looking at the Mediterranean diet.

She also said there are exciting studies about coffee consumption, which suggests that caffeine may be beneficial in preventing PD and AD. Nevertheless, Dr. Rothenberg admits that it is still too early to make any conclusions about the causal relationship between the risk of developing PD or AD and dietary factors. According to her, more studies are required to establish the link.