9 Ways To Prevent Dementia And Alzheimer’s

As a general term, 'dementia' includes many different conditions such as memory loss, and more cognitive issues which seriously impede the everyday life.

It can happen in plenty of different forms, such as vascular dementia, Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease. The most well-known form that occurs in approximately 60-80% of cases is Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is progressive if the cause of the problem cannot be treated. Depression, apathy, and struggle to remember recent events, conversations, and names, are among the most common symptoms.

We can control some dementia risk factors, such as:

• Head injuries
• Impaired thyroid function
• Low physical activity
• Poor diet and vitamin deficiencies
• Use of medication that contributes to dementia
• Cardiovascular risks such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking

Here are 9 recommended ways to reduce the risk of dementia:

1. Quit Smoking

Smoking can cause great damage to the body, including the brain. Studies show that daily smokers are at a 45% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s compared to non-smokers and ex-smokers. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended for you to quit this detrimental habit.

2. Exercise

To boost the vascular system, you should strengthen the blood flow and the heart pumping. So, you should exercise for at least half an hour per day to protect yourself from countless chronic health diseases.

3. Vitamin B

Vitamin B can lower the levels of a molecule known as homocysteine or HC, that damages the vascular system. When in high levels, it increases the risk of strokes, heart diseases, and more vascular issues. Therefore, you should increase the intake of B complex vitamins to prevent age-related cognitive decline.

4. Vitamin D

Researchers have discovered a relation between the low levels of vitamin D and cognitive decline that leads to dementia symptoms. Therefore, the consumption of vitamin D supplements protects from processes that lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s.

The sun is the best source of vitamin D. However, you can also use supplements, especially in the winter, when the sunny days are less.

5. Challenge Your Brain

Researchers have discovered that bilingual people present dementia symptoms 5 years later than those who speak only one language.

They declare that the brain benefits a lot if you challenge it. Also, according to experts, crossword puzzles are also a way to delay the onset of memory loss by 2.5 years.

6. Prevent Head Injuries

If you usually ride a bike or a motorbike, you should always wear a helmet to prevent head injuries. Also, in the case of water or winter sports, always protect your head in order to prevent injuries that can lead to brain damage.

7. Control Your Alcohol Intake

The excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of dementia, so you need to control it to prevent many different health issues, including dementia.

8. Track Your Numbers

You need to keep track of the values of your weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular and metabolic health are among the main predictors of dementia, so you should have a healthy body to have a healthy mind.

9. Social interaction

You can successfully prevent the detrimental consequences of isolation by frequently interacting with other people. You can take a walk in nature with your friends, or at least talk to a few friends or relatives on an everyday basis to prevent major health issues.

In addition, doctors insist that learning new things boosts the health of the brain!

References:
Healthyfoodhouse.com
Davidwolfe.com
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s Association
The Hearty Soul
Neurology
Alzheimer’s
Dementia Research Foundation
Alzheimer’s Association
Neuropsychologia

Related:

• Can You Pass This Sample Dementia Test?