Given the high financial costs of ongoing treatment and personal costs for family caretakers, all of us should look for ways to reduce our risks.
Fortunately, projections aren't prophecy and dementia isn't an absolute. Like many conditions, lifestyle choices can influence whether you develop the disease or when.
So, when it comes to the prevention of dementia, what can you do?
Get More Exercise
Regular exercise offers you many benefits, like better cardiovascular health and overall mood. It turns out that exercise can also help reduce your chances of dementia.
You'll want a mix of cardio and resistance exercises, such as walking, swimming, push-ups or working …show more content…
It can harm your memory and the blood vessels in your brain.
The obvious question is "how much alcohol is safe?" The research doesn't offer a clear answer.
The current advice more or less boils down to drink in moderation, but less is better than more.
Keep Learning
Exercise isn't just for your body. Exercising your brain through learning helps prevent dementia. It's also a great time for learning because there are so many options.
You can always sign up for a traditional class at a local college or community center. You can learn independently with reading, watching documentaries, or online open university classes.
Looking for a new skill? You can often find online training programs that get you started for free.
Socialize
Socializing can off you the best of all worlds if you plan a little.
Simply interacting with others exposes you to new information and boosts your sense of well-being. A better sense of well-being increases the odds that you'll engage in healthy behaviors.
You can also use socializing as a means of reinforcing other healthy activities. You can plan learning opportunities, such as taking classes with a friend or group of friends. You can enlist a friend as your exercise