Height is believed to have a relationship with cognitive decline, specifically dementia. Dementia refers to a decline in memory, thinking and reasoning abilities. It is a common neurocognitive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
Studies have shown a link between height and dementia which suggests that shorter people are at a higher risk.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a condition that gradually affects cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is a common neurocognitive disorder that affects various age groups.
While age is the most significant risk factor affecting dementia, other factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and disease, have a bearing on the condition’s progression. Some of the most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia globally, accounting for approximately 60-70% of all cases.
How Is Height Related to Dementia?
Several studies have shown that there is a relationship between height and dementia risk. A study published in the journal PLOS One shows a strong correlation between height and cognitive decline.
The study found that the shorter the individual, the higher is their likelihood of developing dementia. Researchers believe that the relationship between height and dementia may be because leg length is a marker for adulthood nutrition. Improper adult nutrition may result in lower brain volumes, which can lead to poor cognitive abilities.
The study also found that the relationship between height and dementia risk is consistent across genders. Even though men tend to be taller than women, gender does not play a significant role in determining the relationship between height and dementia.
The study concluded that leg length could be a predictor of cognitive decline in older adults.
What Is the Science Behind the Relationship?
The exact relationship between height and cognitive decline is yet to be fully understood. However, several theories have been postulated to explain this relationship. One of the earliest theories links brain size to body height.
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According to this theory, taller people have larger brain sizes, which means they have more neuron cells. This abundance of neuron cells is said to lead to better cognitive abilities and a lower risk of developing dementia.
Another theory is that height is an indicator of early-life nutrition. During childhood and adolescence, taller people generally have better nutrition than their shorter counterparts.
A better diet during these developmental years is important since it supports optimal cognitive development. A lack of essential nutrients during these formative years may cause poor brain development and lead to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
What You Can Do to Reduce Your Dementia Risk
Height is not the only risk factor for developing dementia. There are other lifestyle choices and health conditions that contribute to a higher risk of cognitive decline. These include:.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
Practising good healthcare such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet containing nutrient-rich food may lower the risk of cognitive decline.
Specific factors such as good sleep quality, quitting smoking, as well as reducing alcohol consumption, can minimize the risk of developing dementia. Additionally, socializing with friends and family, engaging in new physical and mental activities such as traveling, hobbies, and learning a new language can also improve cognitive or brain functions.
The Bottom Line
The relationship between height and the likelihood of developing dementia is a scientific encounter that challenges scientists. Current research suggests that shorter people are at higher risk of cognitive decline.
Nevertheless, height is just one of the many factors that are linked to dementia development, and it is not necessarily a major predictor of the condition. Maintaining overall healthcare and leading a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of developing dementia and other chronic diseases.
By looking after your physical and mental well-being, you can achieve optimal cognitive health while reducing other risk factors that are associated with cognitive decline.
