While it is hard to treat dementia after it gets more severe, it may be possible to ward off a portion of the effects according to scientists. While the studies are still ongoing and nothing is absolutely proven, especially with so many studies still ongoing. The ongoing research seems to suggest that leading a healthier lifestyle and getting enough vitamin E may lower chances of getting dementia later in life. Other studies are presently looking into other warning signs that someone is at a higher risk of developing dementia in later years.
While researchers do point out that the solution isn’t as simple as getting more vitamins, as the results are conflicting over how much and if the vitamin itself really helps to stave off dementia at all. Many are looking into the effects of vitamins on aging-related illness, and vitamin E is just one of the many that they are looking at.
Researchers have been interested in whether antioxidants like vitamins E and C and beta-carotene might help stave off dementia because, in theory, their actions might interfere with the process of brain-cell degeneration.
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Another ongoing study shows that there may be a link between body type and the risk of dementia. Among the studies suggested results are that pear shaped women (which is one of the most prevalent body types) may be at a higher risk of developing dementia in later years than those with other body types.
According to that study:
The results revealed that although all the women were classified as “cognitively normal,” the score differences were linked to weight and body shape.
Test scores out of 100 dropped by a point for every one-point increase in body mass index.
Being overweight was generally associated with reduced memory and brain function, but overweight pear-shaped women were more affected than the “apples” with thick waists.
Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the UK Alzheimer’s Research Trust, remained skeptical. “The pear shape is incredibly common, and this study doesn’t explain fully the link between body shape and brain function,” she said.
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While again, the studies and overall research is still very much in their infancy there are many others that may eventually go on to show definitive links, and find ways to help and to ward off the effects of dementia later in life.
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