Advancements in technology and medicine have increased lifespans, which has resulted in new challenges and diseases that affect the aging population. According to "The Neuropsychology of Dementia," cognitive decline related to dementia is a problematic condition that will grow as the Baby Boomer generation continues to age.
Family History
The National Institute on Aging states that the chances of developing dementia later in life are at least partially related to heredity. First degree relatives, such as parents, who are genetically predisposed toward dementia can pass on genetic mutations, posing a risk for future generations to get dementia.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Individuals with a history of repeated blows to the head and spinal cord, such as boxers and victims of domestic violence, show more cognitive impairments later in life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life can be doubled by a single concussion resulting in mild to traumatic brain injury. Multiple incidences of head traumas would then increase this probability considerably.
Lack of Mental and Physical Activity
Mental and physical activity may keep the mind stimulated and functioning on an optimal-for-aging cognitive level. According to "Environmental Influences on Cognitive and Brain Plasticity During Aging," researchers posit that mental and physical activity and constant stimulation can stave off symptoms longer if onset is still in infancy stages. Decreases in stimulation can accelerate decline and cognitive degeneration due to lack of use in higher-ordered thinking skills related to problem-solving, decision-making and planning.
According to the "Epidemiology of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease," women in lower socioeconomic levels have shown a higher prevalence for dementia when they did not obtain a higher education or work outside of the home. For men, more cases have been found among those with lower educational attainment, poor work environments and exposure to environmental hazards.
References
- "Neuropsychological Assessment of Neuropsychiatric and Neuromedical Disorders"; The Neuropsychology of Dementia; Mark W. Bondi, David P. Salmon, Alfred W. Kaszniak; 2009
- National Institute on Aging: What Is Dementia?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Traumatic Brain Injury
- "The Journals of Gerontology"; Environmental Influences on Cognitive and Brain Plasticity During Aging; Arthur F. Kramer, Louis Bherer, Stanley J. Colcombe, Willie Dong, William T. Greenough; 2003
- "Epidemiology of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease"; R.D. Terry, R. Katzman, K. L. Bick, S. S. Sisodia; 1999
