Dementia – 3 ways to keep brain young

The article on Dementia: Three ways to 'keep your brain young - they are not diet or exercise’ was authored by Harriet Whitehead on Nov. 13, 2021 in www.express.co.uk

“The NHS (National Health Service) says that there is good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing dementia. Although there are some risk factors you can’t change, there are many that you can. This will not mean that you definitely do not develop the condition but can make it less likely.

Harvard Health Publishing says that there are “ways to keep your brain young”. Some surround diet and exercise, though there are a number of other factors. These include advising that you “care for your emotions”. It says that “people who are anxious, depressed, sleep-deprived, or exhausted tend to score poorly on cognitive function tests” so good mental health and restful sleep are important. Moreover, you should “protect your head” as moderate to severe head injuries, even without diagnosed concussions, increase the risk of cognitive impairment.

Thirdly, you should consider building social networks. It states: “Strong social ties have been associated with a lower risk of dementia, as well as lower blood pressure and longer life expectancy.”

The Alzheimer's Society (AS) notes that midlife – from your 40s into your early 60s – is a good time to start taking steps to reduce your risk of developing dementia, though it is helpful to take steps at any age. “The brain changes that cause dementia can start years or even decades before symptoms develop. If you live a healthy lifestyle now, you are reducing the chances that these brain changes will happen,” it adds.

There are five more common types of dementia and these are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia.By 2025, Dementia UK reports more than one million people will be living with dementia in the UK.