High stress may cause cognitive impairment "9 tips from WHO" to slow down brain degeneration

Dementia is an impactbrain functionThis disease was often referred to as "Alzheimer's disease" in the past, but in fact, the onset of this disease is not limited to the elderly, and people of all ages may be affected. Many specialists have pointed out through citing a number of international studies that severe psychological distress may increase the risk of developing cognitive impairment. At the same time, the World Health Organization also issued 9 specific guidelines this year to help the public reduceCognitive declinethus reducing the risk of developing dementia.

Lui Wing-cheong, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and a specialist in psychiatry at the Chinese University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine, stated that a study published in January by the University of Copenhagen in Denmark showed a possible link between "severe psychological distress" and dementia. This "severe psychological distress" includes chronic excessive stress, frequent fatigue, irritability, and overall low morale. He further explained that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol and changes in cardiovascular function can be potential risk factors for dementia.

Internal Medicine specialist Dr. Chen Zhenzhong also cited a study from the University of Exeter in the UK, which clearly indicated that lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, abstaining from smoking, and controlling alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of dementia. This study, which analyzed approximately 20 subjects of European descent aged 60 or older, found that among those who strictly adhered to a healthy lifestyle, the proportion of those who ultimately developed dementia was less than XNUMX%, highlighting the importance of healthy habits.

Doctors Lei Yongchang and Chen Zhenzhong both mentioned that in May this year, the World Health Organization launched a set of guidelines for cognitive health. The core goal of this set of guidelines is to help people slow down the rate of cognitive decline and reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. The guidelines include nine key recommendations, namely: regular exercise, quitting smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, developing a balanced diet, maintaining stable and healthy blood pressure, controlling cholesterol levels within the normal range, maintaining stable blood sugar levels, and actively participating in variouscognitive trainingActivity.