Dementia is the most expensive chronic disease. Here are 10 tips to delay it.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, there are currently about 260,000 people with dementia in Taiwan, and it is estimated that the number will exceed 1 million by 2011. Doctors remind us that with the aging of society, dementia has become the most expensive chronic disease, especially in terms of "care costs". Therefore, self-management of chronic diseases is urgent.

Zhen Ruixing, director of the general neurology department of Far Eastern Hospital, pointed out that the huge wave of dementia caused by an aging society is inevitable. According to statistics, there are currently more than 47 million people suffering from dementia worldwide, and one new person dies every 3 seconds. Dementia in Taiwan is also increasing rapidly as the population ages, and the resulting social problems are becoming increasingly serious.

Dementia care starts with self-management

In addition to medical expenses, dementia requires long-term care, especially the "care costs", which is a pain in the hearts of many patients' families. If we do not actively improve the care system for people with dementia, once the number of people with dementia increases dramatically, it may increase the burden on society.

Facing the wave of dementia, we should start with "self-management of chronic diseases". In particular, three aspects are strengthened: medical care, lifestyle, and emotional management. It is recommended to develop good habits in four aspects: refusing to smoke, eating a healthy diet, developing good exercise habits, and quitting drinking.

10 Tips to Slow Down Dementia

Dr. Zhen Ruixing emphasized that dementia is a disease that concerns everyone in today's society. Degenerative Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60%, and 5% to 10% is related to genetics; but vascular dementia is more closely related to family and lifestyle habits. For example, people with high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol and obesity are all at high risk of dementia. The risk of dementia can be delayed through "self-management of chronic diseases".

Although the prevalence of dementia in the country is high among people over 65 years old, and the prevalence tends to double with every 5 years of age, research results from the Mayo Clinic in the United States have shown that active exercise and brain training can slow the degree of degeneration, effectively improve the clinical symptoms of elderly people with dementia, and reduce the care pressure on family members and the burden on society and the country.

In particular, the average time from onset of dementia to death is about 5 to 9 years. Although there is no possibility of recovery once the disease is contracted, the risk can be reduced through the "10 Tips to Delay Dementia":

• 1. Active and gentle daily exercise every day. Stimulate and enhance brain memory function. The recommended exercise principle is to be out of breath after exercise but still be able to talk. It is best to exercise for 30 minutes every day, which can be divided into 2 times. (or a minimum of 150 minutes per week, which can be completed in 5 days). And try to keep your heart rate at 110 beats per minute.

• 2. Proper sleep helps increase attention in daily life and reduce memory loss.

• 3. Reduce stress in life and avoid depression.

• 4. Reduce your sedentary lifestyle.

• 5. Mediterranean diet. The main dietary features are unrefined whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, olive oil, deep-sea fish and moderate red wine.

• 6. Based on your personal interests, needs and abilities, do more things that interest you and that are meaningful and contribute to society every day.

• 7. Ability to maintain dignity and independent self-care.

• 8. Increase your social network in daily life.

• 9. Control the three highs (high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol).

• 10. Avoid smoking and drinking.