Is there a way to stop dementia in its tracks? It’s an ever-intriguing question, and it has fueled so much investigation and movement in medical research. While there are no definitive answers to this question yet, there are promising studies underway and they explore the potential of diet, exercise, mental stimulation, social support and smart lifestyle choices in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
For starters, the majority of cases dementia and Alzheimer’s are rooted in more than just aging. Like most other common chronic issues, they are likely influenced by the complex interactions of genetics, environment, medical conditions, and lifestyle, such as leading a sedentary life.
For now, we can only discuss these factors and interactions, as explained by the National Health Service of the UK:
- Diet – The risk of some kinds of dementia can actually be reduced with a low-fat, high-fiber diet, such as plenty of vegetables and fruits. Experts also advise limiting the amount of salt in your food to not more than six grams every day. Excess salt increases blood pressure, a risk factor in the condition. Note, too, that high cholesterol may also contribute to the development of dementia, so you may be better off moderating your saturated fat intake.
- Weight – Did you know that being overweight can up your blood pressure and in turn make dementia more possible? Make it a point to regularly measure your weight by calculating your body mass index and following conscientious steps to shed the extra pounds.
- Physical exercise – An active lifestyle makes your heart and blood more efficiently working, as well as helps lower cholesterol and keeps blood pressure on a healthy range. For more health individuals, at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week will be beneficial, either by walking, running, cycling, or doing other simple daily activities.
- Alcohol intake – Excess alcohol drinking can make your blood pressure shoot up and raise your cholesterol, so it’s best limited to up to four units a day for males and up to three units a day for women. A unit equals about a small glass of wine.
- Smoking and tobacco use – Your arteries narrow when you smoke, leading to an increase in blood pressure and a higher risk of developing not only dementia but also cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Seek the social support you need to quit cigarette use, or heed your physician’s advice for giving it up.
- Mental stimulation – It’s crucial to stay mentally active no matter what age you are! Mental stimulation has been found to improve scores on memory and thinking tests for those with dementia, so it should be further promoted through activities such as reading, playing music, doing arts and crafts, and working on puzzles and brain games.
Herbal Supplementation To Combat Dementia
The power of time-tested herbs and nutrients should never be underestimated when it comes to promoting clarity, vitality and memory, particularly among the elderly. Wisdom and efficient cognitive function should not be lost due to natural cell degradation and lack of physical energy in this segment – something that a brain supplement could optimally assist in improving.
