5 Dementia Prevention Rules A Neurologist Lives By

People exercising togetherThe Lancet’s standing commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care says that up to 45% of our risk could be determined by lifestyle factors. And a 2020 study suggested that people who stuck to four or five healthy habits (exercising, not smoking, not drinking too much, eating healthily, and keeping mentally active) had a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s.But there is a sea of dementia prevention advice there. So, I thought I’d ask Dr Arman Fesharaki-Zadeh, an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Yale, about which rules he recommends to his loved ones (and sticks to himself). “Dementia prevention is a key focus in clinical and public health discussions, with growing evidence linking modifiable lifestyle factors to reduced risk,” he confirmed.Here’s what he told us: 1) Manage your cholesterol After Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia (which is linked to blood flow) is the most common form of the condition in the UK. That’s partly why heart health is key to a healthy brain. “High cholesterol impairs vascular health and brain oxygenation and may promote amyloid and tau accumulation, increasing Alzheimer’s risk; statin use and midlife cholesterol control are associated with lower dementia rates,” the doctor told us.2) Try to maintain your eye health “Vision loss, often tied to poorly controlled hypertension or diabetes, can reduce cognitive stimulation and increase social isolation, both of which are dementia risk factors,” Dr Fesharaki-Zadeh shared. Alzheimer’s Society says that those with impaired sight may be up to 50% more likely to develop dementia, though “this only applies to people with uncorrected vision loss.” Seek help with your sight if you notice changes, get your eyes tested often, and speak to your GP about managing any underlying issues leading to worse vision.3) Hang out more Socialising is linked to a longer life, even if you only do it a little bit; so perhaps it’s no wonder it’s great at reducing dementia risk too. “Social engagement builds ‘cognitive reserve’ and helps prevent depression, itself a contributor to cognitive decline,” the Yale expert revealed.4) Exercise (no, really) The biggest change I’ve made since covering health stories has been exercising religiously. The evidence ofits many health benefits (including its brain health advantages) is simply too compelling. “Regular physical exercise plays a critical role by enhancing cardiovascular health and promoting neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus—an area essential for memory,” Dr Fesharaki-Zadeh explained.“Exercise also improves cerebral blood flow, reduces inflammation, and supports mood regulation. I often mention to patients that if I could write exercise on a prescription pad, I would!” 5) Cut back on alcohol and eat wellNeurologist Dr Richard Restak, who wrote How To Prevent Dementia, said that he’d recommend stopping drinking altogether over the age of 65 as it increases dementia risk.And the Mediterranean diet has been linked to a weakened relationship between depression and dementia, which Dr Fesharaki-Zadeh mentioned earlier.Perhaps that’s why the expert told us, “Combined with reduced alcohol intake and healthier diets, the [aforementioned] factors can significantly delay or prevent dementia onset.”Of course, that’s only one piece of the puzzle. “Government investment in prevention could reduce future economic and caregiving burdens dramatically,” the expert ended.Related...Neurologist Shares The 1 Sleep Change That Could Reduce Dementia Risk'She Stopped Talking': 5-Year-Old’s Dementia Diagnosis Began With These Early Warning SignsIs Forgetting The Odd Word Normal Ageing Or A Sign Of Dementia?

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