Dementia affects millions of people around the world, and that number continues to increase every year – by more than 9.9 million, to be exact. That means there is a new case of dementia every 3.2 seconds. Although it may seem that cognitive illness can affect anyone, studies suggest that there are actually several factors that can contribute to the onset of the disease.
While there are no 100% surefire ways to prevent dementia, different studies suggest different strategies for reducing our risk and improving our overall health in the process. Click through the gallery to find out how to make yours cognitive health maintain and ward off dementia.
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Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
The Effects of Alzheimer’s
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risk factors for dementia
There are several risk factors for dementia that we cannot change, such as age and genetics. These factors do not cause dementia, nor is the disease part of the normal aging process, but they can make it more likely to occur.
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What life changes can you make?
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Healthy eating
Eating a healthy diet can help prevent a variety of different diseases, including diabetes and dementia, but it can also help keep your cholesterol and blood pressure under control.
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Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
how to do that
Make sure you’re getting the appropriate amount of fiber throughout the day. Eat healthy portions of fruits and vegetables daily, protein several times a week, and drink plenty of water.
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Do sports regularly
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Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
Limit alcohol consumption
Consuming large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can damage many different parts of your body, including your nervous system (which includes the brain). Too much alcohol can also increase the risk of stroke.
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Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
Social contacts
It seems that loneliness and social isolation could be major factors when it comes to dementia. Creating and maintaining social contacts is therefore important to counteract this.
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how to do that
That doesn’t mean you have to strike up a conversation with everyone you see. Try to maintain face-to-face relationships. This can be done by joining clubs, volunteering, or group classes.
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Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
how to do that
Challenge yourself regularly. This can be something simple like a riddle, crossword, or brain teaser, or you could try a longer-term activity like learning a new language or skill.
Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
Microsoft and partners may receive compensation if you purchase products through recommended links in this article.
how to do that
Create a sleep schedule, meaning get up and go to bed at roughly the same times. They also make it easier to fall asleep by eliminating the need to stare at any type of screen before bed or create a relaxing sleep ritual. If you find that you are still having problems, see a specialist immediately.
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Stop smoking
Smoking not only causes lung cancer – it can also increase your blood pressure and affect your circulation, which can affect the blood vessels in the brain.
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how to do that
There are a variety of ways to quit smoking, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Talk to your doctor or health care professional to find out how to quit smoking if you find that your motivation is slipping.
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treat depression
Depression is considered both a risk factor and a symptom of dementia. It can directly impact your ability to engage in other cognitively positive activities, such as getting a good night’s sleep and staying social.
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how to do that
If you find yourself showing signs of depression, talk to your doctor or a therapist. They can better recommend the next steps for you, which can be therapy or medication.
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Keep learning
Studies suggest that education may have an impact on future dementia. One Study found that about 8% of dementia cases may be related to leaving school before secondary school.
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how to do that
Don’t stop learning! That doesn’t mean you have to go back to school. Take a class online or at your local college if you like, or pick up a new hobby.
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protect the brain
Head injuries can lead to a loss of cognitive abilities, which should come as no surprise. And while some things happen unexpectedly, there are certain precautions you can take to prevent these types of injuries.
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how to do that
The obvious methods are wearing a helmet when advised and wearing a seat belt in the car. Less obvious, however, is the work on coordination and balance, which reduces the likelihood of an accidental fall. Activities like yoga and tai chi fall into this category.
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Keep an eye on your own health
There are several diseases that we have mentioned in this gallery that can potentially lead to dementia in the future, such as heart health, blood pressure and depression. The longer you walk around with these diseases, the more likely it is that permanent damage will remain.