As we age, one of the greatest fears is developing dementia. While some risk factors, such as aging and genetics, are not fully within our control, research has revealed that certain lifestyle habits can help reduce the chances of developing this condition.
In particular, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep have all been linked to decreasing dementia risks. Read on to learn more about these seven healthy habits which could play an important role in keeping your memory sharp and reducing your chance of dementia.
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Since dementia can begin in the brain decades before diagnosis, it’s vital to learn how lifestyle habits during middle age can affect the risk of dementia later in life.
New research presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting shows how seven healthy lifestyle factors and habits may play a role in lowering the risk of dementia. The seven brain and cardiovascular health factors, known as the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7, are: eating better, getting regular exercise, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining healthy blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, and having low blood sugar.
The study included 13,720 female participants with an average age of 54 at the beginning of the study. After 20 years of follow-up, Medicare data was used to identify those diagnosed with dementia. It was found that 13%, or 1,771 participants developed dementia.
When analyzing the seven health factors, participants were given a score of zero for poor or intermediate health and one point for ideal health for a possible top score of 7. The average score was 4.3 at the start of the study and 4.2 at the 10-year mark.
After adjusting for factors such as education and age, researchers found that each increase of one point in the score decreased the risk of dementia by 6%.
“It can be empowering for people to know that by taking steps such as exercising for half an hour a day or keeping their blood pressure under control, they can reduce their risk of dementia,” said Pamela Rist, ScD, a member of the American Academy of Neurology.
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With just seven simple lifestyle changes, you can help reduce the risk of dementia. More and more studies suggest the importance of taking steps in middle age to help prevent the onset of chronic illness and disease later in life. With dementia cases predicted to rise worldwide, taking the necessary steps to help people understand how to prevent the disease is vital.
Protecting Brain Health
While some degree of cognitive decline is nearly inevitable as you age, this study shows how seven factors can help the brain to continue functioning at peak potential. Simple lifestyle changes can improve memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
The Smart Pill can also help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
