5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Developing Dementia According to a Neurologist

  

Dementia is a general term for symptoms that can affect your thinking and memory. Symptoms of dementia vary depending on the type, but common signs include problems with speech or writing, dealing with money and dates, and recalling names or new information. Cognitive decline or dementia can be frightening if you’re aware of its effects on your brain. It can be hard to know exactly what causes this disease and how to prevent it from happening to you. But as a skilled neurologist, Dr. Thomas Holmes knows what we need to do in order to reduce our risk of developing dementia in the future. Here are his five tips for reducing your risk of developing dementia

Stay active

Exercising regularly can improve your overall health, which can go a long way towards preventing dementia. Exercising can also reduce the risk of developing other diseases and conditions related to aging, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, which can increase your risk of developing dementia. Exercising even just one hour per week can have a positive effect on cognitive health. One study found that people who exercised for at least one hour per week had a reduced risk of developing dementia compared to those who did not exercise. It’s not just aerobic exercise that may reduce the risk of dementia. Any type of physical activity is likely to have a positive effect on your health and reduce your risk of dementia. Exercising regularly can also help prevent or slow down the progression of dementia in people who already have the condition. A study found that people with mild cognitive impairment who exercised regularly experienced fewer cognitive declines than those who did not exercise.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Grain and dairy products, along with fish, are especially beneficial when it comes to reducing dementia risk. One study found that people who ate an extra serving of any of these each week had a reduced risk of developing dementia. Another study found that eating foods rich in vitamins B, C, and E, along with fiber, iron, and magnesium, can reduce the risk of developing dementia. More research is needed to determine the specific nutrients that can reduce dementia risk, but eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals has shown promise in preventing dementia.

Watch your weight

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of several health conditions that can lead to dementia, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Keeping your weight in a healthy range can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions and dementia. One study found that people who are overweight are more likely to develop dementia than people who maintain a healthy weight. Another study found that a moderate amount of weight loss is linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia. The exact amount of weight loss needed to reduce the risk of dementia is not clear, but maintaining a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of dementia.

Be aware of your risk factors

Certain medical conditions and risk factors can increase your risk of developing dementia, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. Diagnosing and treating these conditions can help protect your brain and reduce your risk of dementia. In fact, treating certain conditions may even reduce your risk of developing dementia by improving your overall health. One study found that treating diabetes and high blood pressure can reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 50%. One of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia is take care of your health.

Don’t smoke or consume alcohol excessively

Smoking can increase the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and stroke, which can increase the risk of dementia. Stopping smoking can help reduce your risk of dementia. One study found that smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day is linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Another study found that smoking 10 cigarettes per day or less reduced the risk of developing dementia. Smoking can also reduce the effectiveness of medications used to prevent and treat dementia because they pass through the bloodstream before getting to the brain. Alcohol abuse is also linked to an increased risk of dementia. Consuming large amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of dementia, as well as other diseases that affect your brain. One study found that consuming large amounts of alcohol increases the risk of dementia. Another study found that consuming up to two drinks per day can reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Conclusion

Dementia is a serious condition that affects millions of people in the world. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Stay active and eat a healthy diet, and try to maintain a healthy weight. Be aware of your risk factors, and try to avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing dementia and enjoy a healthy, happy life.