Youth forgetfulness is not dementia, likely overwork
TAIPEI, Taiwan – In response to an increase in hospital patients aged 20-30 wondering whether or not they have dementia, several doctors in Taiwan have stated that most patients are only forgetful due to work-related stress. Nutritionists typically prescribe stress relieving exercises and brain foods to help boost brain function.
Dr. Hu Chaur-jong, chief of the neurology department at Taipei Medical University’s Shuang Ho Hospital, has stated that dementia in young patients is unlikely. Most of the time forgetfulness is caused by stress, and youths should consider various factors to improve brain function. Habits that potentially result in forgetfulness include lack of proper sleep or overwork and can be counterbalanced through healthy habits. Instead of watching television, said Hu, people can read, play board games, draw and garden after work so as to relax the mind and keep the brain from overloading.
Resident nutritionist of Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Dr. Liu I-li, recommends a healthy diet for the brain to absorb the three necessary nutrients: quality protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant vitamins.
Liu also recommends that people refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking and consuming fried foods, as alcohol and tobacco have been proven to deplete B complex vitamins.
Source: The China Post
Published: 28 May 2014
