Dementia is commonly associated with memory loss and cognitive decline, often viewed as a natural consequence of aging. However, many people are unaware that adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or slow down the onset of dementia.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Dementia
Research highlights several lifestyle habits that can be embraced early in life to reduce the risk of dementia. These habits include:
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise is a cornerstone of brain health. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the brain, strengthens neural connections, and enhances cognitive function.
Simple activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or practicing yoga can improve memory and focus. To reap the full benefits, aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly.
Engage in Brain Exercises
Just like muscles, the brain requires regular stimulation to maintain its function. Mental exercises can help keep your brain active and resilient against cognitive decline.
Consider activities like solving puzzles, completing crosswords, reading, writing, or learning new skills such as a foreign language or musical instrument. These practices enhance neural connectivity, safeguarding long-term cognitive health.
Follow a Balanced Diet
Nutrition plays a vital role in supporting brain health. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential vitamins can help optimize brain function.
Incorporate foods such as omega-3-rich fatty fish, colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds into your daily meals.
Limiting sugar, salt, and processed foods is also critical, as these can cause inflammation and harm the brain.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and brain detoxification. During sleep, the brain processes the day's information and eliminates toxins that could impair its function.
Poor sleep quality, staying up late, or sleep deprivation increases the risk of memory loss. To maintain brain health, aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Stay Socially Engaged
Social interactions play a significant role in preserving mental and cognitive health. Engaging with friends, joining communities, or participating in group activities stimulates the brain and fosters emotional well-being. Socializing also helps alleviate stress, a major factor that can exacerbate cognitive decline if unmanaged.
Alongside these habits, managing stress is crucial in preventing dementia. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in enjoyable activities can help maintain mental calmness and reduce anxiety.
For those experiencing anxiety that disrupts daily life, seeking professional advice is essential. The Ai Care application offers convenient access to healthcare consultations and can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
NHS UK (2024). Can dementia be prevented?. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about-dementia/prevention/
National Institute on Aging (2022). What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis. Available from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-dementia-symptoms-types-and-diagnosis
Alzheimer's Association. What Is Dementia?. Available from: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia
Help Guide (2024). The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise. Available from: https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/fitness/the-mental-health-benefits-of-exercise
Kelsey Kidd, APRN, CNP, MSN (2022). 6 tips to keep your brain healthy. Available from: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/5-tips-to-keep-your-brain-healthy
Harvard Medical School (2024). Foods linked to better brainpower. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower
Danielle Pachecho (2024). How Memory and Sleep Are Connected. Available from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/memory-and-sleep
Dawn Hubbard, MD (2023). Five Surprising Health Benefits to Socializing with Others. Available from: https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2023/12/five-surprising-health-benefits-to-socializing-with-others