Research reveals that sleep deprivation can lead to Alzheimer’s disease as sleep is a restorative activity for the body and mind.
Research on Alzheimer’s patients has shown that sound sleep for seven to eight hours every day is definitely important. Sleep is the time for restorative activity for the body and mind where the brain cleanses itself of the abnormal proteins beta-amyloid and tau that are created due to high metabolic activity.
Lack of sleep on a long-time basis accumulates these abnormal chemicals and turns dangerous for brain health leading to Alzheimer’s, said Dr Naresh Purohit, Executive Member, Indian Academy of Neurosciences.
In an event organized by Maharishi Markandeshwar University Medical College, Solan on the occasion of World Alzheimer’s Day, Dr Purohit shared his concern about the rise in Alzheimer’s cases in the country. The Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies for Mental Care, Purohit told the news agency U. N. I. in Hamirpur after virtually addressing a webinar on “Battle against Dementia” that India is on the cusp of a dementia epidemic with dementia patients projected to spike from the 44 lakh at present to over one crore by 2050.
Incidentally, this surge can be ascribed to the growth in our geriatric population as India moves closer to becoming the world’s most populous country, beating even China.
He said that Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the neuro-degenerative diseases and accounts for 60 to 70 percent of cases of dementia. Usually, the disease starts gradually and turns worse in due course of time.
“One of the most common symptoms is memory loss, even about the recent events. This is known as short-term memory loss syndrome.
“With the advancement of the problem, symptoms of trouble with the loss of motivation, language, mood swing, easily getting lost, issues with behavior and taking self-care, etc. are seen among the affected persons,” he said.
Purohit also Advisor for National Mental Health Programme averred that in Alzheimer’s patients the ability to switch from a state of wandering mind to attentiveness breaks down leading to memory lapses and disorientation.
He warned that there is no cure or medicine to date for this condition and therefore it is important to take steps to delay the onset of the disease.
He pointed out that medical research has demonstrated conclusively that smoking and excess sugar is harmful to the body and also a huge risk factor for developing dementia, something that people are unaware of.
Interestingly, factors that are linked to the onset of diabetes such as obesity, and stress are also the factors that are likely to lead to Alzheimer’s and dementia, he added.
Experts explained that a healthy diet is another indispensable factor in how to delay the onset of neurological age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s.
They proposed following a Mediterranean diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds. They added that seafood and eating eggs thrice a week while avoiding red meat, processed foods, and white flour, help not only in preventing dementia but also heart disease.
Experts revealed that focussed activity such as practicing meditation for a sustained period of time changes the brain structures and helps patients with memory-related disorders. “People need to do something that will challenge their brain and make one feel wanted,” experts said.
They emphasized that half an hour of physical exercise every day whether it be yoga or even walking is a non-negotiable and a must. Such activities help to maintain fitness not just in the body but also in the mind.
They averred that keeping the mind active be it through problem-solving, crossword or even learning languages helps significantly. Social interactions, taking part in clubs and associations, and doing charity work especially to keep the mind engaged after retirement are essential. Specialists explained that being on WhatsApp and engaging in Instagram and other social media is not social interaction and activities outside the Internet are more important to keep the mind engaged in healthy ways.
Thus, people should really aim to get more than seven hours of sleep a night as well as start exercising and eating a healthy diet in order to live a wonderful happy healthy life.