[메디컬투데이=신창호 기자] Stroke, which can be divided into cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage, is not only life-threatening but also has the potential to cause dementia, so it is a disease that requires thorough management. In particular, when a cerebral infarction occurs, brain cells are damaged due to lack of blood supply, which can leave significant aftereffects and may cause dementia, so caution is required.
Research results show that even mild cerebral infarction can lead to cognitive decline and the risk of dementia. In the case of a small cerebral infarction, in which small blood vessels in the brain are temporarily blocked and then reopen, there is a high possibility of causing early symptoms of dementia, such as cognitive decline, even if there are no noticeable symptoms. In particular, research is attracting attention that beta-amyloid protein, which causes Alzheimer’s disease, may accumulate after such small cerebral infarctions. Therefore, even small cerebral infarctions must be managed without hesitation and on a consistent basis.
Jinyoung Jeong (neurosurgery specialist), director of True Grape Tree Hospital, said, “We can predict brain health through ‘NeuroFit,’ a recent AI brain examination tool, so it is helpful to pre-evaluate the risk of cognitive decline after cerebral infarction and take appropriate preventive measures.” It’s helpful. “This AI-based testing method has the advantage of being able to detect patients at high risk of dementia early by precisely analyzing the patient’s brain condition,” he explained.
Fortunately, vascular dementia can be prevented to some extent by improving lifestyle habits. In particular, chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia require thorough management as they directly affect the cerebral blood vessels and increase the risk of cerebral infarction and dementia. This is why it is important to prevent these chronic diseases and improve blood circulation through quitting smoking and regular aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is very helpful in maintaining blood vessel health by improving blood flow, and it is advisable to consistently maintain moderate-intensity exercise for about 30 minutes at least 5 times a week.
Women going through menopause may also have an increased risk of stroke and vascular dementia. The female hormone, estrogen, plays a role in protecting blood vessels, and after menopause, this hormone rapidly decreases, increasing the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Menopausal women need to check risk factors in advance through regular checkups along with lifestyle management for vascular health.
Above all, a healthy diet including fish, vegetables, and whole grains is essential to prevent dementia. These foods are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber, which are helpful for vascular health and have the effect of controlling blood cholesterol levels. In addition, fresh fruits and vegetables help excrete bad cholesterol (LDL) out of the body and can contribute to reducing the risk of cerebrovascular disease.
Director Jeong Jin-young said, “Even if it is a small cerebral infarction, you should not ignore it and continue to manage your brain health by improving your lifestyle habits. In particular, early prevention and management of stroke and dementia are important, and it is advisable to strive for prevention through regular exercise and a healthy diet.”
Medical Today Reporter Shin Chang-ho (ssangdae98@mdtoday.co.kr)
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
