From gum disease to hearing loss, depression, anxiety and more, there are a host of everyday afflictions that have been linked to this debilitating form of dementia.

11. Preeclampsia

11. Preeclampsia
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Preeclampsia is a form of dangerously high blood pressure that occurs in about five percent of pregnancies, usually late term. Even though women who develop preeclampsia generally experience it for only a short period in their life, some studies suggest that it can raise the risk of vascular dementia decades later. As with other types of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, preeclampsia compromises the blood and oxygen supply to the brain.

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12. Sleep apnoea

12. Sleep apnoea
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The exact incidence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) around the world is unknown because it is so often undiagnosed. Men are also more likely than women to have sleep apnoea – which is much worse than thunderous snoring. Sufferers can stop breathing numerous times throughout the night, disrupting oxygen flow to the brain and other organs.

One study found that older people with sleep apnoea had much higher levels of amyloid beta, the protein involved in brain-plaque buildup. Another study found that people with irregular breathing during sleep showed signs of developing Alzheimer’s at an earlier age.

Researchers believe that treating sleep problems could help prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. So if you have any of these 9 silent signs of sleep apnoea, it’s time to stop ignoring them.

13. Vitamin deficiencies

13. Vitamin deficiencies
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“A vitamin B12 deficiency can absolutely cause someone to look cognitively impaired,” says Dr. Tariot. “B12 deficiency is uncommon, but we do see it in people who chronically use [drugs that help reduce stomach acid].” A vitamin D deficiency may also raise the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia later in life. Talk to your doctor about your diet, your prescriptions, and your risk of deficiency; blood tests can spot trouble. But beware of the harmful effects that having too much vitamin B12 may have on your sleep.

Source: RD.com

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