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It is a cruel disorder that ruins the lives of millions of people around the world, slowly robbing them of their memories and independence.
But despite what you may fear, dementia is not inevitable: up to four in 10 cases of dementia are thought to be preventable.
In fact, scientists say that simple lifestyle changes could reduce the risk of contracting this disorder.
Experts from the University of Oxford concluded yesterday that drinking less alcohol, eating less sugar and avoiding traffic pollution were the most important controllable risk factors for reducing the chances of suffering from dementia.
But if you don’t feel like giving up alcohol or sweets, fortunately there may be other lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk…
Social isolation could increase a person’s risk of dementia by 60 percent, according to the Alzheimer’s Society
Maintain a wide circle of friends.
Having a large circle of friends and keeping up with social gatherings is believed to reduce the chances of contracting dementia.
In fact, the opposite – social isolation – could increase a person’s risk of dementia by 60 per cent, according to the charity Alzheimer’s Society.
Engaging in social activities such as volunteering, joining a class, playing music, or doing group crafts is thought to increase what experts call the brain’s cognitive reserve.
This is a term that experts use to describe the organ’s ability to cope with conditions that damage it, relieve stress and improve mood, the charity explains.
The charity adds that the act of listening to someone in conversation, finding the right way to express yourself and remembering things that have happened are all ways of exercising your mental skills.
TO 2019 The study also found that social contact provided a “protective effect” against dementia.
The researchers measured the social contact of 10,000 participants aged 35 to 55 with family members and friends who did not live together six times over 17 years using a questionnaire.
They found that those with frequent social contact had greater cognitive reserve, suggesting they were less likely to develop dementia.
Experts have discovered a link between bacteria and inflammation caused by gum disease with the buildup of amyloid proteins, which is linked to Alzheimer’s.
Brush and floss your teeth
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day is a simple habit that could help reduce your risk of dementia.
Experts have discovered a link between bacteria and the subsequent inflammation caused by gum disease, with the buildup of amyloid proteins.
These proteins are linked to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
A 2020 study in the US suggested that people with gum disease and oral infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s.
Another 2021 study found that participants who lost the most teeth were almost 1.3 times more likely to suffer from dementia, with the risk increasing depending on the number of teeth lost.
However, scientists still need to determine whether the bacteria helps cause the condition or whether gum disease and tooth loss simply occur more in people in the early stages of dementia.
Another potential factor is that people with poor oral hygiene habits that lead to gum disease could also be less healthy overall and have a higher risk of developing dementia due to other factors.
Vigorous aerobic activity, such as running, helps keep your heart, lungs, and blood circulation healthy. All of which is also good for brain health.
start running
Exercising regularly and avoiding becoming a couch potato could dramatically reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Vigorous aerobic activity, such as running, helps keep your heart, lungs, and blood circulation healthy. All of which is also good for brain health.
Experts estimate that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by about 28 percent. Specifically, in the case of Alzheimer’s, the risk is reduced by approximately 45 percent, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
A 2013 study By looking at the health behaviors of more than 2,000 Welsh men aged 45 and 59 and following them for 35 years, it was found that regular exercise reduced their risk of dementia by 13 per cent.
Although these men also did not smoke, consumed alcohol moderately and were at a healthy weight, exercise levels were shown to have the greatest effect on reducing the risk of dementia, according to researchers at Cardiff University.
Participants who met all of these lifestyle requirements reduced their risk of dementia by 60 percent.
However, if running isn’t your thing, a brisk walk and daily activities such as cleaning, gardening and cooking also keep your body active and help reduce the risk of the disease, the Alzheimer’s Society said.