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Dementia isn’t just about memory, it’s a lifestyle issue that families must address early with awareness, healthy habits, and open support.
Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia after battling aphasia in 2022.
Dementia is often thought of as an illness of old age, something that happens “later in life.” But experts emphasise that its roots can be traced to lifestyle patterns, daily choices, and even decades of silent brain changes that start much earlier than symptoms. Beyond memory loss, dementia changes how families live, interact, and care for one another. That’s why breaking the silence around it is more than a conversation; it is a shift in how we live our everyday lives.
Lifestyle Matters Long Before Old Age
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Dr. Sanjay Kumawat, Consultant Psychiatrist and Sexologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai, says “Dementia is an illness of old age; however, it’s the result of an unhealthy lifestyle that, though manageable, is not avoidable. The brain, like any other organ, needs continuous exercise or stimulation to remain healthy.”
According to Dr. Kumawat, daily stressors such as pollution, traffic, and work-life imbalance all play a role in brain health. Being socially active after retirement, pursuing hobbies like dance or music, or engaging in physical activities such as yoga and walking can enhance blood flow, reduce stress, and strengthen neuromuscular coordination.
Creative pursuits like writing or learning a new language further stimulate the brain, while social games, travel, and meaningful interactions guard against isolation-driven decline — a problem highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He adds that simple but consistent habits like adequate sleep, nutritious food, and even sharing a meal with family can support long-term brain resilience.
Dementia Starts Earlier Than We Think
Dr Kaustubh Mahajan, Consultant, Neurology, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Khar, asserts,
“Though the symptoms of dementia may begin after 65 years of age, the pathological derangement neurodegeneration often starts as early as 40 years before symptoms appear. That means changes can begin as early as 35 if dementia shows up at 75.”
Dr Mahajan explains that the brain compensates for damaged cells until the disease progresses beyond a threshold. That’s why subtle lapses, like forgetting why you entered a room or picked up your phone, shouldn’t always be dismissed.
He outlines six lifestyle shifts that can significantly delay or reduce dementia risk:
Movement is medicine: Regular physical activity keeps both body and brain agile. Limited mobility accelerates degeneration.
Prioritise sleep: Quality sleep deletes unwanted brain connections and sharpens memory. Poor sleep accelerates cognitive decline.
Challenge your brain: Learn a new skill, language, or instrument — even small discomforts like a cold shower can help the brain adapt.
Stay social: Regular interactions protect against isolation and cognitive decline.
Eat smart: A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is proven to support brain health.
Find purpose: Retirement shouldn’t mean disengagement. A sense of purpose or hobby keeps the brain active and fulfilled.
Why Families Must Talk About Dementia
Dr Prasun Chatterjee, Chief, Geriatric Medicine, Artemis Hospitals, says, “People often whisper about dementia or only think of it as a medical problem that happens to someone else. The truth is, dementia doesn’t just affect memory, it changes how a family lives, talks, and cares for each other.”
Dr Chatterjee stresses that silence around dementia can be harmful. It may delay diagnosis and treatment, leaving the person with dementia feeling isolated or ashamed. By contrast, open conversations reduce anxiety, dissolve stigma, and ensure that families can plan care together with empathy and understanding.
He highlights that lifestyle adjustments can ease care and improve quality of life:
Establishing routines for safety and reassurance.
Maintaining a calm, clutter-free home to reduce confusion.
Encouraging light exercise and balanced meals to strengthen body and mind.
Engaging in stimulating activities like puzzles, reading, music, and outdoor time.
Using assistive devices for hearing or vision without stigma.
These changes not only help the individual but also make family life more supportive and balanced.
From Silence to Support: A Collective Shift
Taken together, the insights from these experts show that dementia is not just a late-life medical diagnosis but a lifelong lifestyle conversation. Early, consistent choices movement, mental challenges, nutrition, and purpose can protect brain health. And when dementia does emerge, breaking silence and stigma ensures that families face it with unity, not fear.
Living with empathy, patience, and acceptance transforms dementia care from a hidden struggle into a shared journey, one that protects dignity and strengthens family bonds.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 07, 2025, 12:12 IST
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