Here are five simple steps you can take to improve your brain health and lower your risk of dementia.
The numbers are astonishing, and many people are unaware that over 413,000 Australians suffer with dementia.
If God wills, that number will climb to over one million by 2050.
“While dementia cannot be directly prevented or cured, minimizing risk is critical,” says Maree McCabe, CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia.
Many individuals are unaware of the number of people affected by dementia or what they can do to lower their risk and it’s never too late to start.
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Take care of your heart.
Maree explains, “What is good for your heart is good for your brain.”
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and obesity appear to be associated with an increased risk of dementia.”
Maintain your heart health by testing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels on a regular basis; your doctor will advise you on how often you should do so. Maintaining a healthy weight might also lower your chances of developing heart disease. Smoking, for example, can harm your heart and brain, as well as raise your chance of dementia.
Make your brain work harder.
It is also necessary to exercise your mind.
“Do things that need you to work hard in order to make connections in your brain. “It’s vital to push your brain by doing something you’ve never done before,” Maree explains.
Find something that requires you to develop new abilities and continue to do so. Try a new sport, learn a new language, enroll in a course, work toward a new certification, or start a new hobby. Engage in activities that you enjoy.
Take part in activities.
“Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, which stimulates the formation of brain cells and their connections,” Maree explains.
To make an impact, you must engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. However, you don’t have to do your 30-minute activity in one sitting; you can do it in three 10-minute increments.
Social relationships may aid in the prevention of dementia.
Take pleasure in social interaction.
Social interaction has numerous advantages, including improved cognitive performance.
“Like exercising and learning new things, being socially involved helps the brain stay healthier, which adds to a decreased dementia risk — it stimulates the brain,” Maree says.
So schedule time to see family and friends, join a social club or interest organization, or volunteer in your town.
Maintain a balanced diet.