'Prevention is so much easier than treatment': HMG provider talks memory care

As with many things, the best way to prevent major memory health issues later in life is to start early with preventative measures that promote an overall healthy lifestyle. Holston Medical Group provider Dr. Kevin Metzger says there are several ways to limit your risk factors and set your brain up for success later in life."I was listening to a podcast the other day and there was an epidemiologist saying that, in the next couple of years, we're going to have more folks over 60 than under 60," said Metzger, who is based out of HMG's Johnson City location. "So with the aging population, I think we're seeing a higher percentage of memory issues just because the number of people over 60 is increasing."In order to help folks of all ages work toward long term memory health, Metzger has shared what he sees as the highest risk factors for memory concerns as well as ways to prevent memory decline."I think the probably the biggest risk factors I've seen are just unhealthy lifestyles," he said. "Like the biggest thing is smoking. That is a huge risk factor for cognitive decline — or memory issues. And that's a big spectrum from something we call mild cognitive impairment, which is just 'I forgot my keys' ... to kind of the end stage, which would be dementia that would affect your quality of life and daily living."Although there is not yet much data on the long-term health effects of using vapes and e-cigarettes, Metzger cautioned against using those devices for the same reasons.He also added that some other high risk factors include chronic medical problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, untreated mental illness, lack of exercise and self-isolation."If we can limit that stuff, you're going to change your life and then you can live out your life," he said. "Things happen, but limiting your risk factors is the best thing you can do. Prevention is so much easier than treatment."To limit these risk factors, Metzger recommends making healthy life choices when it comes to food and exercise, having a close relationship with your primary care provider and finding communities to get connected with.While there are many who say that crosswords and other puzzle games can help you stay mentally sharp, Metzger said they might not have as much of an effect as people think. The doctor said he believes the two best preventative measures to be eating well and engaging in around 180 minutes of moderate activity each week.Another widespread concern in recent years is that the increased usage of technology may have a negative impact on memory health, but according to Metzger, it really depends on how the technology is being used."I think that it really comes down to connectivity," he said. "If we are using technology to isolate ourselves — even though we may be on social media — if we're not physically interacting with folks or having quality conversations, then that potentially can cause some mental health issues as well as memory issues."He said when technology is used as a way to supplement those in-person conversations and community connections, it can help to prevent isolation which often leads to cognitive decline and worsening mental health.For younger generations, Metzger said memory health is still a concern, because the healthy or unhealthy life choices made early on can often have long term effects later in life. Younger adults, he said, are also widely experiencing high rates of depression and anxiety along with other mental health concerns, which can potentially cause memory issues."Every case is just very unique," he said. "But I would say if you are younger and having some memory issues, bring it up to your doctor because that can go a lot of different directions, and having someone guiding you through that and asking more questions is very important."This advice, he said, extends to adults of all ages. After telling your doctor about your concerns, there may be further testing needed to accurately identify the issue causing memory loss, "and that's really important to catch early because there are some things we can do to improve it before it gets too late."