Reduce Your Risk of Dementia Today
Research shows that dementia affects approximately 50 million people globally. A syndrome resulting from disease in the brain, it involves a decline in memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language and judgement. Tragically, the number of people struggling with dementia today is expected to triple within the next thirty years. With 10 million new cases each year, you or an aging parent may be at risk. It’s never too early to begin thinking about how you or a loved one can reduce your risk of dementia today.
Research tells that age, genetics, loneliness, and sedentary lifestyles all play a part in one’s risk of dementia. However, paying greater attention to your health can help reduce your risk. Healthier lifestyle choices also contribute to lower risks of heart attacks, a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. By lowering your chances of cardiovascular diseases, you can also help reduce your risk of dementia.
Here are three tips to consider for reducing your risk of dementia:
Keep physically active
Keeping active has many health benefits, including the prevention and management of over 20 long-term conditions. It reduces stress and improves mental well-being. However, as most of us may not care to spend hours at the gym, don’t fee
l restricted to running on the treadmill. Instead, engage in activities you enjoy. Keeping active with others, whether walking, dancing, cycling or throwing the ball, is a great way to stay motivated and make physical activity less of a chore. Click here to learn more.
Pay attention to your diet
Some research indicates that following the Mediterranean diet, based on wholegrains, fish, fruits and vegetables can be good for brain health. A study published in 2015 that followed people for an average of 4.7 years found that, of 960 individuals, those who stuck most closely to this diet had brains equivalent of 7.5 years younger than those who followed the diet the least. To learn more about these health choices, click here.
Exercise your brain
Mental exercise is a great way to reduce your risk of dementia. Keeping the brain active can be just as important as taking care of your body. When the brain is stimulated, it builds reserves of healthy cells and connections between them. Some exercises to consider include board games, cross word puzzles, and learning a new language. Alternatively, visiting a museum or taking an art class can also serve as a social activity.
Dementia is most likely the consequence of interactions between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle choices. While research proves that genetics plays a large role in one’s risk of developing dementia, it only paints half the picture. Taking the time to seriously look at your lifestyle choices serves to not only reduce your risk dementia but also improve your quality of life.
Visit Caregogi
Mental health is an important concern for seniors as they age and should be actively nurtured. Another concern a senior may face as they age includes requiring help with daily activities around the house. Home care through Caregogi is a solution to this concern. Caregogi outlines a matching service that can help seniors find an independent caregiver – at half the cost of traditional agencies – that meet their home care needs. Visit www.caregogi.com to find a caregiver that’s right for the senior in your life. In addition, if you have any questions about how to reduce your risk of dementia, contact us today at Caregogi. We are happy to help!