What is it about ?
The functions of our brain are numerous. One of them is cognitive function, ie memory, the ability to learn new things, language, comprehension and the performance of everyday actions.
It is not easy to conclude that there are genuine memory impairment. It is not because we have memory lapses (that we cannot remember certain words, for example) that we suffer from a memory disorder. The causes of memory impairment are varied. It is estimated that at least 1 in 3 cases of memory impairment is due to adaptable factors in daily life. One in three cases could therefore be avoided.
What is their frequency?
Each year, approximately 1 in 1,000 people, whether young or old, are re-diagnosed with a memory disorder. Among the senior population, these figures are higher.
Risk factors and protective factors
Usually, the origin of the development of memory impairment is due to a combination of environmental factors and genes.
For example, a number of genetic defects increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of memory impairment. Unfortunately, it is impossible to modify these anomalies.
Age is the main risk factor for memory impairment. Older people are at greater risk of developing memory problems than younger people.
There are risk factors on which it is possible to act:
- the’ hypertension and one high cholesterol ;
- cardiovascular illnesses ;
- overweight ;
- the diabetes ;
- the’alcohol ;
- smoking;
- the depression ;
- the head trauma.
Factors that protect you from memory impairment are for example the following:
- a high level of training;
- physical activity ;
- an active lifestyle with social interactions;
- a healthy and varied diet.
What can you do ?
Eat a healthy and varied diet (choose products of plant origin, unsaturated fats, whole grain products and fish) and sufficient physical activity. It is also recommended tostop smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Your GP can help you with this.
Changes in the brain take place decades before changes develop. memory impairment. It is therefore important to maintain a healthy lifestyle from an early age.
In those over 75, however, it is important that blood pressure and weight are not too low either. In fact, too low a blood pressure or too low a weight increases the risk of memory problems.
What can your doctor do?
The general practitioner regularly checks blood pressure in people between 40 and 75 years old. If you are doinghypertension, the doctor will monitor the progress, give you advice on how to adapt your lifestyle and possibly start a treatment. From a middle age, the doctor will also measure the cholesterol in your blood. For these two risk factors, hypertension and high cholesterol, the first thing to do is to change your lifestyle. Physical activity and a healthy diet not only protect the brain itself, but also limit other risk factors for developing a disease. memory impairment.
If you are diabetic, regulate your blood sugar level (glycemia) as well as possible, in consultation with the doctor.
Want to know more?
- The food pyramid – Eat Move – Health Question
- Physical activity – Eat Move – Health question
- Move at any age… After 50 too! – Eat Move – Health Question
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Smoking Assistance Center (CAF®) – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Tobacco specialists – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- GymSana – An adapted physical activity for vulnerable people
- Alcohol aid – Le Pélican & Le center ALFA
- AA – Alcoholics Anonymous
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