Risk Factors You Can Work On To Reduce Your Risk Of Dementia

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia and is the fifth leading cause of death for adults over 65 years of age. According to researchers, dementia is a neurodegenerative syndrome with 50 million people across the globe currently afflicted by it. This number is expected to more than triple by 2050, touching approximately 152 million. The disease hurts the parts of the brain that control language, memory and thought, thereby compromising an individual’s ability to speak, think and remember. This, in turn, can disrupt daily life by interfering with a person’s day-to-day activities.

While dementia has no cure and is not necessarily preventable, working on some of your lifestyle choices can significantly lower your chances of developing dementia. Studies are showing us that some lifestyle changes or adopting healthy lifestyle measures can prevent heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer, and also boosts cognitive function.

This blog aims to discuss the healthy lifestyle choices you should make to manage dementia risk factors to reduce your risk of the same:

Sleep- Sleep has a tremendous role to play in countering the mental effects of growing old. Receiving sufficient amounts of sleep can benefit the mind and have long-term influence on an individual’s risk for cognitive decline with increasing age. Sleep allows your brain to get rid of the toxic amyloid-beta protein, which leads to the plaque commonly found in the brains of dementia-afflicted individuals.

Food for the brain- A plant-based diet comprising leafy green vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, berries and olive oil is associated with dementia prevention. Steer clear of processed foods and a diet high in added sugars, which can increase the risk of dementia due to inflammation in the brain. Adopting an eating pattern like the Mediterranean diet is a good idea.

Brain fitness- Keeping your brain strong is one of the most effective ways to prevent dementia. According to research, regular activity, which could be as simple as walking, can do your brain a world of good. Regular exercise also prevents other heath conditions associated with dementia, such as high blood pressure, depression and diabetes.

Some other preventive measures:

1.      Reduce your alcohol consumption (the brain finds it tough to handle binge drinking)

2.      Quit smoking (strong links have been established between smoking and dementia)

3.      Make it a point to use your brain every day (for example, do crossword puzzles, learn a new language)

4.      Improve the health of your heart (your ticker and brain are closely connected)

5.      Talk and spend time with people you love (crucial for your brain health)

6.      Work towards keeping yourself from any form of brain injury (this is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other-related dementia)

It is true there are some risk factors you cannot do anything about, such as age, gender (women are more prone), genetic makeup and history, but there are others within your control like the ones mentioned above.

If you are a carer for someone with dementia and looking for some assistance, feel free to partner up with an assisted living sanctuary of Anthem that are committed to ensuring all dementia residents have access to the care they need for an improved quality of life.