Study Finds It’s Possible to Reduce Dementia Risk

Many people fear Alzheimer’s disease, and rightfully so. This disease comes with many difficult symptoms and there doesn’t seem to be any cure on the horizon. But that doesn’t mean it’s all bad news either.

Even though Alzheimer’s disease is the affliction feared most by a majority of seniors, a new study in the U.K. finds a surprisingly large number of seniors are unaware that it is possible to lower their dementia risk.

Despite growing evidence that simple lifestyle factors can improve the chances of avoiding dementia, a YouGov poll commissioned by the Alzheimer’s Society of the United Kingdom found that 22 percent of the general public are unaware of this and could be putting themselves at risk.

Check out these five simple steps to potentially help reduce the risk of dementia, from the Alzheimer’s Society:

Exercise - There's more evidence that regular exercise will prevent dementia than for any other measure we might take. Walking regularly is an excellent way of keeping active.

Eat Mediterranean food – Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, a little red wine and not much meat or dairy.

Manage other health conditions – Other conditions like type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure both increase your risk of developing dementia, so get these checked and follow medical advice to keep them under control.

Avoid smoking – It significantly increases your risk of developing dementia, most likely because it damages blood vessels and reduces the amount of blood that reaches the brain.

Use it or lose it – Scientists believe that frequently challenging your brain with new things is the key. For example taking up a new hobby, learning a language or even walking an unfamiliar route.

 
 For additional details about the study, visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/press_article.php?pressReleaseID=1165.