It is common knowledge that the common cold can be quite bothersome and can significantly affect our daily lives. Symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, congestion, and fever can make it hard to concentrate, work, and even sleep.

However, recent studies have shown that there may be a more long-term risk associated with these annoying illnesses – dementia.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in cognitive functioning such as memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking skills. Dementia is not a specific disease, but a term used to describe a range of symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases, but there are other types of dementia, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.

Cold and Inflammation

Colds are caused by a viral infection in the upper respiratory system. When you catch a cold, your immune system responds with inflammation to fight off the infection.

During the inflammation process, cytokines are released which can increase inflammation throughout the body.

Most of us know the symptoms of inflammation such as heat, swelling, and redness. However, inflammation also happens inside the body and the brain, where it can damage brain cells and contribute to cognitive decline.

Many studies have shown a correlation between chronic inflammation and the onset of diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Cold and Cognitive Decline

There has been a growing body of research that has shown that the common cold may contribute to cognitive decline in later life.

A 2018 study found that people who had a cold for more than two weeks were three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Another study found that people who had more frequent respiratory infections such as colds and flu, had a higher risk of dementia, even after adjusting for other factors such as age, sex, and education.

Inflammation and Dementia Risk

A recent study found that inflammation may be the missing link between colds and dementia. The study found that people who had higher levels of inflammatory markers in their bloodstream were more likely to develop dementia over time.

The researchers believe that the inflammation caused by the cold virus may trigger an inflammatory response in the brain, which can lead to cognitive decline.

The study also found that people who had higher levels of inflammation were more likely to have brain lesions which are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings suggest that reducing inflammation could be a way to prevent or slow down the progression of cognitive decline.

What Can You Do to Reduce the Risk?

While there is no cure for dementia, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. Here are some simple steps you can take:.

1. Stay Active

Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia. Exercise has been shown to increase blood flow to the brain, improve memory, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week such as brisk walking, swimming, or gardening.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining good health. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.

Avoid processed and fried foods which are high in unhealthy fats and sugar.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for good health. Sleep helps our bodies repair and restore, and lack of sleep has been linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and dementia. Experts recommend getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

4. Reduce Stress

Stress has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and dementia. Reducing stress through meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or other stress-reducing techniques can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Conclusion

Inflammation has been linked to the onset of many chronic diseases, including dementia. Recent studies have shown a connection between colds and the risk of cognitive decline.

While there is no cure for dementia, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, including staying active, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress.