Chronic diseases can increase risk of inflammation, cognitive decline: Experts

Chronic diseases like diabetes heart diseases and obesity coupled with lifestyle factors such as low exercise and unhealthy diet can raise your bodyrsquos inflammation levels and contribute to the risk of cognitive decline said health experts on SundayInflammation is the bodys natural response to infections injury pathogens irritants or oxidative stress It can play a significant role in cognitive decline or a decrease in mental functioningDuring inflammation the bodys cells fight and contain the infection As a result certain mediators or chemicals are released which trigger reactions in the surrounding areas causing localised inflammation often accompanied by pain or swellingldquoInflammation of the brain tissue caused by an overactive immune response or a longstanding infection and can lead to neuronal and cognitive declinerdquo Dr Vinus Taneja Consultant at the Department of Medicine Sir Ganga Ram Hospital told IANSChronic inflammation can disrupt the bloodbrain barrier and also affects inflammatory markers such as the interleukins and the C reactive proteinsldquoThe elderly population is more vulnerable to these conditions People with chronic conditions like diabetes cardiovascular diseases and obesity are also at higher risk of cognitive declinerdquo Taneja saidldquoInflammation has been increasingly recognised as a major factor in cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers disease and vascular dementiasrdquo he addedInflammatory profiles genetics can also play a major role both in inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseasesldquoLifestyle factors can also contribute to chronic inflammation Low physical activity levels chronic stress obesity unhealthy eating habits such as consuming oily junk or processed foods sleep disturbances exposure to toxins and air pollution smoking and alcohol consumption are all potential contributorsrdquo Dr Vipul Gupta Group Director Neurointervention Paras Hospital Gurugram told IANSInflammation can be either acute or chronic Acute inflammation occurs when someone has a fever or an infection that comes and goesHowever certain conditions can lead to chronic inflammation which can be seen in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis autoimmune disorders like spondylitis and even mental health conditions such as anxiety and depressionGupta said that studies have shown that patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis especially those who are obese have a higher risk of cognitive decline or a decrease in mental functioning due to longterm chronic inflammationSo how do we prevent itldquoPrevention involves incorporating regular physical activity and exercise into your daily routine avoiding smoking and alcohol and eating fresh nonprocessed fruits and vegetables focussing on a Mediterranean dietrdquo Gupta saidChronic stress can also cause inflammation Taneja said suggesting mindfulness meditation relaxation managementOne should also control the underlying chronic illness like diabetes hypertension which indirectly will help in the longterm in the reduction of inflammation he saidThe experts also called for maintaining a healthy weight If one notices symptoms of chronic inflammation it is recommended to undergo a complete medical checkup to identify any underlying issues or diseases that may be causing the inflammation so that appropriate treatment can be administeredAlso Readlsquo810 lakhs could save your lifersquo Mumbai experts on building financial shieldsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever