In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years!
Memory is a key function of daily living that deteriorates with age, reducing quality of life and productivity and increasing the risk of dementia.Previous research has been insufficient to evaluate the effect of a healthy lifestyle on memory trajectory, but a new study reveals that combining various healthy lifestyle choices - the more the better - is associated with slowing the rate of memory degeneration. We've all heard the expression "Better late than never." Many of us do not fully adhere to a healthy diet or lifestyle. This lack of healthy lifestyle choices can increase our chance of developing a variety of chronic diseases. Poor lifestyle choices can harm our physical and emotional health. While there is no proven way to prevent or treat dementia, the choices you make in middle life can help you preserve brain health as you get older. Continue reading to learn about some midlife lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk of dementia.
- Keep a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces our chances of having dementia. We advise consuming fewer calories from saturated and trans fats, added sugar, and sodium while maintaining a nutrient-dense diet
- Maintain a constant level of activity: Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by up to 50%. Exercise can assist in preventing cognitive deficits from worsening in persons who have already begun to experience them. Exercise improves the brain's ability to maintain existing connections while also forming new ones, protecting against Alzheimer's and other kinds of dementia
- Pay attention to your mental wellness: A person's mood and mental health will affect every aspect of their life. There is an association between excellent physical and mental health. If either health is jeopardized, it may result in heart disease, exhaustion, sleep problems, digestive issues, and other health issues.
- Stop smoking right now: Smoking is one of the most preventable risk factors for dementia and Alzheimer's disease. According to one study, smokers over the age of 65 have an 80% higher risk of acquiring Alzheimer's disease than nonsmokers. After stopping smoking, the brain's circulation improves almost instantly
- Stay social: We are very sociable creatures. Our brains and we do not function well in isolation. Maintaining a solid social network should be a top priority because staying socially active may even shield against dementia and Alzheimer's disease symptoms in later life.
Reduce the risk of dementia by making these lifestyle changes today!