Sinus Congestion and Dementia: Is There A Link?

By: Tom Rotz

Sinus congestion. Sore feet. Loose dentures. These may seem like minor issues, but results from a 10-year study of more than 7,200 cognitively-healthy 65-year-olds show that these problems could lead to an increased risk of developing dementia.

The study, published in the journal Neurology and featured by AARP, focused on 19 problems that had no known connections to brain health – including vision, hearing, loose dentures, sinus congestion, arthritis, morning cough and problems with the skin, stomach, kidneys or bowels.

Results showed that although healthy 65-year-olds already have an 18 percent chance of developing dementia due to aging, those chances increased by 3.2 percent for every seemingly unrelated problem. The most alarming statistic showed that individuals who reported as many as 12 conditions increased risk of developing some form of dementia by a whopping 40 percent.

There is good news, though. You can preserve and strengthen cognitive function and ability with a few lifestyle modifications. The first is consistent physical activity. Another article published by AARP discusses how walking three times a week can increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps control memory and cognitive function.

At The Kenwood, we use Dakim Brain Fitness games to help maintain mental agility… after all, Dakim is the only clinically tested brain fitness software designed to help adults over 60 improve and maintain memory, focus and concentration. We also encourage residents to maintain their interests and continue doing the activities they love, which is why our programming schedule includes classical music performances, historic tours, movie showings, horticultural class, art class and educational lectures, to name a few. For more information, please call 513-561-9300 to set up a tour or speak with a member of our community relations team; we would love the opportunity to welcome you as our guest!