Dementia in the upswing: This is how seniors remain fit and healthy!

Dementia in the upswing: This is how seniors remain fit and healthy!

Oberösterreich, Österreich - In Upper Austria there are alarming news about dementia. The dementia expert and managing director of the Federal Self-Aid Association Promenz.at, Raphael Schönborn, warns of the dangers of forgetfulness: "If it takes for more than half a year and affects what you could always do in everyday life, then you should clarify this." Around 22,000 people with dementia currently live in the state and forecasts show that this number could increase to 45,000 by 2050. Schönborn emphasizes that loneliness and depression are considered considerable risk factors, since affected people often lose their connection to society.

fight against dementia

The need for preventive measures is emphasized by experts such as Schönborn and the state manager of the Upper Austria Senior Citizens' Association, Franz Ebner. They explain that everyone can contribute to promoting their own health and reducing the risk of dementia. There is no healing for dementia, but 30 % of cases are treatable. Josef Pühringer, state chairman of the Upper Austria Senior Citizens' Association, appeals for a healthy lifestyle: healthy eating, regular exercise and intellectual challenges are crucial. The importance of social contacts is particularly emphasized, because "the brain is a social organ", as Schönborn explains. Friendships and a healthy social environment could positively influence the course of the disease, even if dementia has already been diagnosed.

summarized, the current findings show a serious state of dementia prevention and treatment in Upper Austria. Through targeted education and more social commitment, the number of sick people could effectively reduce. In this regard, the role of support organizations is becoming increasingly important in order to support people with advice and action. This is not just a challenge for those affected themselves, but also affects the entire society that has to actively face these topics in order to secure the probably older person.