2024-04-17 14:23:18
The risk of developing dementia increases sharply as you get older. Former soccer player Bernd Hölzenbein was also affected. You should know these risk factors.
Former football player and world champion Bernd Hölzenbein has died after a long illness. As it became known, the 78-year-old recently suffered from severe dementia. In Germany, around 440,000 people become ill with it every year. Once the disease has broken out, it can at best be delayed with medication, but cannot be stopped or cured.
Video | Eintracht Frankfurt mourns the loss of world champion: Bernd Hölzenbein is dead
Quelle: Glomex
Dementia itself is not a cause of death. However, experts point out that towards the end of the disease, when patients are in the final stages, the immune system often weakens, which increases the susceptibility to infections. According to the German Alzheimer Society, 80 percent of all patients die from complications such as pneumonia.
Dementia: Common signs
There are various symptoms by which relatives and those affected can recognize dementia, including: forgetfulness, confusion, disorientation in time and space, language problems, mood swings and listlessness.
Risk factors for dementia
Older people in particular usually suffer from dementia. Age is therefore the most important risk factor. Over the years, protein deposits (plaques) can form in the brain, which damages the nerve cells. The result is changes in thinking, acting and perceiving.
But there are also variants of dementia that are already evident in young people. The cause is usually a genetic change, but this occurs extremely rarely.
In addition to the aging process and genetic factors, cardiovascular diseases also play a role in the development of dementia, as the brain is supplied with oxygen and important nutrients via the bloodstream. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and being overweight also increase the risk of the disease.
Diabetes is also discussed in connection with dementia. Research has shown that a reduced response of the body’s cells to insulin is linked to impaired memory performance. Depression, lack of sleep and serious head injuries are also considered possible risk factors.
The number of people suffering from dementia is increasing
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people suffering from dementia will increase significantly worldwide in the coming years. The organization expects up to 82 million people to be affected by 2030 and up to 152 million by 2050. In order to better treat the disease, early diagnosis is crucial. You can read more about early detection of dementia here.