How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia
While ageing continues to be the most significant risk factor for Dementia, recent studies have shown that there are things you can do to reduce your chances of developing the disease. While factors such as genetics and unexplained decreases in brain activity should also be considered, there are still things you can do to lower your chances of developing Dementia.
Read on to discover simple activities that you can do to help reduce your Dementia risk.
Exercise Your Mind
Keeping your mind active is an excellent way to help reduce your risk of Dementia because it builds up the brain's ability to cope with the disease. Regularly challenging yourself keeps your brain alert and functioning well.
Find something you enjoy that also challenges your brain, and do it regularly. It's essential to find an activity that you'll want to continue. For example:
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Do crossword puzzles or trivia quizzes.
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Read challenging books or write fiction every day.
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Register for an online course in a subject that interests you.
Communicating regularly with people may also help to decrease your risk of Dementia. Try to stay in touch with friends and family who are important to you. If you don't see people as often as you'd like, consider volunteering or joining a community group to stay socially active.
Stop Smoking and Decrease Your Drinking
If you're a smoker, you're putting yourself at a higher risk of developing Dementia. Furthermore, you're also increasing your risk of other conditions such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, and many types of cancers. Smoking harms blood circulation around the body, including the blood vessels in the brain, heart, and lungs.
You'll also know if you're a smoker, that quitting isn't as simple as it sounds. Talk to your doctor about treatment plans or consider harm reduction methods such as chewing gum or lozenges.
You're also increasing your risk of Dementia if you drink alcohol in substantial quantities on a regular basis. At most, aim to consume no more than 14 units per week. Drinking more than this regularly puts you at a significant risk of alcohol-related brain damage. If you drink about 14 units of alcohol in a week, make an effort to spread them out over at least three days.
Keep Physically Active
Exercise is so beneficial for the brain, and it's one of the best ways to reduce the risk of Dementia. It's great for your heart, circulation, weight, and mental wellbeing.
If You've Been Diagnosed with Dementia
Have you already been diagnosed with the disease? There's no denying that hearing that diagnosis is challenging to accept. Consider finding someone to talk to, perhaps a therapist or a counsellor, and tell your loved ones about your change in health. You might want professional Dementia Care services in your home to ensure that you're safe and comfortable 24-7. The disease progresses with time, so you'll want all the help you can get.
To reduce your chances of developing Dementia, challenge your brain regularly, stay active, and lay off the cigarettes and alcohol - all in all, stay as healthy as you can.
Nov 07, 2020 10:55 AM EST
