Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, which constitutes a serious public health problem.
It leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and inability to perform daily tasks.
Experts explained that obesity and smoking are the main risk factors for vascular dementia and can trigger Alzheimer's due to the inflammation caused by smoking.
“Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which can damage brain cells. Obesity is linked to inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are detrimental to brain health,” Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at Delhi's CK Birla Hospital, told IANS.
Curbing the main risk factors is important, as a recent study published in The Lancet magazine showed that global cases of dementia will triple, with 153 million people living with dementia by 2050.
Alzheimer's, the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases, is also expected to increase.
“Obesity also causes conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which are known risk factors for Alzheimer's. The presence of these conditions worsens brain health while promoting inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular damage, leading to decreased memory and increased Alzheimer's disease,” Dr. Anurag Saxena, HOD and Head of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka.
Additionally, obesity affects metabolic functions and insulin signaling, increasing the risk of neurodegeneration.
On the other hand, “smoking worsens oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which increases the development of Alzheimer's.
“Harmful chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and tar, damage blood vessels and interfere with blood flow. Smoking can not only accelerate Alzheimer's disease but also other forms of dementia,” said Dr. Anurag.
Additionally, people with a family history of Alzheimer's are more likely to develop the disease if they smoke.
The combination of genetic factors and the effects of smoking increases the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms, the doctor said.
Dr Shailesh Rohatgi, HOD, Department of Neurology, DPU Super Specialty Hospital in Pune, told IANS that he advises maintaining a balanced lifestyle and eating habits and maintaining constant monitoring, as vascular dementia can even develop at an age early due to diverse lifestyles. habits.
He also emphasized “daily activities that are not limited to just physical movement but also involve the brain. It is important to engage the brain in mental activities such as board games.”
It leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and inability to perform daily tasks.
Experts explained that obesity and smoking are the main risk factors for vascular dementia and can trigger Alzheimer's due to the inflammation caused by smoking.
“Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which can damage brain cells. Obesity is linked to inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are detrimental to brain health,” Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at Delhi's CK Birla Hospital, told IANS.
Curbing the main risk factors is important, as a recent study published in The Lancet magazine showed that global cases of dementia will triple, with 153 million people living with dementia by 2050.
Alzheimer's, the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases, is also expected to increase.
“Obesity also causes conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which are known risk factors for Alzheimer's. The presence of these conditions worsens brain health while promoting inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular damage, leading to decreased memory and increased Alzheimer's disease,” Dr. Anurag Saxena, HOD and Head of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka.
Additionally, obesity affects metabolic functions and insulin signaling, increasing the risk of neurodegeneration.
On the other hand, “smoking worsens oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which increases the development of Alzheimer's.
“Harmful chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and tar, damage blood vessels and interfere with blood flow. Smoking can not only accelerate Alzheimer's disease but also other forms of dementia,” said Dr. Anurag.
Additionally, people with a family history of Alzheimer's are more likely to develop the disease if they smoke.
The combination of genetic factors and the effects of smoking increases the progression of Alzheimer's symptoms, the doctor said.
Dr Shailesh Rohatgi, HOD, Department of Neurology, DPU Super Specialty Hospital in Pune, told IANS that he advises maintaining a balanced lifestyle and eating habits and maintaining constant monitoring, as vascular dementia can even develop at an age early due to diverse lifestyles. habits.
He also emphasized “daily activities that are not limited to just physical movement but also involve the brain. It is important to engage the brain in mental activities such as board games.”
