Simple Brain Exercises to Help Prevent Dementia.
Many things can affect your chances of developing dementia as you get older. Some, like your genes, cannot be changed. However, your daily habits, which you can control, also play an important role. Starting your day with healthy habits is a great way to support your brain.
A 2020 study in the journal Neurology, funded by the National Institute on Aging, found that certain healthy habits can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. These include staying active, avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol in small amounts, eating a healthy diet, and doing activities that challenge your brain.
Engaging in simple brain exercises can help improve memory and reduce the risk of dementia. Activities like solving puzzles, playing memory games, reading, or learning something new, like a language or a musical instrument, keep the brain active and healthy. Physical exercises, such as walking or yoga, also support brain health by improving blood flow. Socializing with friends, practicing mindfulness, and trying mental challenges, like Sudoku or crosswords, can make a big difference. These easy habits, done regularly, can keep your brain sharp as you age.
What can we do at the policy level to prevent dementia?
To prevent dementia at a policy level, we can take several steps. First, we should focus on improving health education so people understand how to take care of their health. Providing access to clean water and addressing common health issues like vitamin B12 deficiency and thyroid problems is also important. Creating strong social support systems can help elderly people feel less lonely and depressed.
How can you diagnose dementia early?
Diagnosing dementia early is important, especially if there is a family history of Alzheimer’s. If your family or friends notice that you are becoming forgetful, it could be a warning sign. However, if you feel forgetful yourself, it may not always mean dementia—it could be due to stress, lack of sleep, or mild cognitive issues. If you have a family history and are concerned about forgetfulness, it’s a good idea to get checked by a doctor, as some types of dementia are preventable. Dementia can also show up through changes in emotions, problem-solving skills, and language ability. Today, we have advanced ways to detect dementia early, such as blood tests for biomarkers, lumbar puncture tests, and imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans. Early diagnosis allows for better management and care.
The No. 1 Pre-Breakfast Habit for Dementia Prevention
It actually all starts the night before: Getting a good night’s sleep, which can be a struggle as you get older. “As we get older, we spend less time in that deep sleep, and we have more intervals of awakening during the night,” For instance, you might have aches and pains that keep you up or take medication that has you getting up to use the bathroom throughout the night.
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