Scientifically Proven Tips and Advice that Prevent Dementia

You don’t need to join a fitness class to maintain brain vitality! Interestingly, there is no association between intense physical exercise and Dementia risk. On the contrary, the best way to prevent mental decline is to walk daily. Walking about 10 kilometres per week increases brain volume, and correlates well with prevention of Dementia. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle can more than double the risk of developing Dementia, making it a more impactful than heavy smoking! Other forms of light, regular exercise like gardening also have a preventive effect.

Stress and depression contribute to the onset of many chronic diseases. It is not surprising then, that depression is an early warning sign of dementia! People who show signs of depression as early as midlife have a 50% greater chance of developing Dementia.
A growing body of evidence supports the preventive effect of a positive attitude and purpose in life on mental decline. Strategies to help you in this endeavour include to volunteer, appeal to a higher power (i.e. practice a religion), meditate and using deep breathing techniques. If you have severe depression, consider seeking a trained professional.

Several studies show heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes/day) have reduced gray matter density as they age compared to non-smokers. Smoking actually doubles the risk for contracting Dementia. Luckily for current smokers, quitting seems to reduce these effects to that of a non-smoker.

When you knit, play board games or learn other crafts during mid-life it can reduce memory loss by 40%-50%. Television is not a hobby! Elders who spent their day (7 or more hours) watching television are 50% more likely to experience memory loss. Some evidence shows when you play a musical instrument also helps protect cognitive function. There are documented cases of individuals in the throes of mental decline responding positively to music from their childhood, even recalling events from their past.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in seven people who have live alone. That adds up to 800,000 people! Socially active people have up to a 50% reduced risk of developing dementia. There are a variety of positive effects social engagements that can provide a buffer against dementia. This includes; improvement of your mood and gives you a support network when you need it the most. One study reported people whose brains were severely affected by Dementia were still able to perform well on memory tests providing they had a large social network.

TOTALCARE can offer expert advice on the prevention of Dementia. Feel free to be in touch with your questions.