A new study suggests that seven healthy habits and lifestyle factors may play a role in lowering the risk of dementia among women.
The study followed 13,720 female participants for two decades, with an average age of 54 at the start of the study, and identified those who had been diagnosed with dementia through Medicare data.
The seven cardiovascular and brain health factors, known as the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7, include being active, eating better, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, and having low blood sugar.
Researchers found that for every increase of one point in the score of these seven factors, a participant’s risk of dementia decreased by 6%.
The average score was 4.3 at the start of the study and 4.2 10 years later. Of the participants, 1,771 or 13% developed dementia during the 20 years of follow-up.
It can be empowering for people to know that by taking steps such as exercising for half an hour a day or keeping their blood pressure under control, they can reduce their risk of dementia.
The study highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle choices in middle age to reduce the risk of dementia later in life.
However, the study also acknowledges some limitations, such as the inability to look at how changes in factors, such as quitting smoking, influenced the risk of dementia later in life.
Nonetheless, the study provides insight into how healthy lifestyle choices can potentially reduce the risk of dementia and improve brain health in the long term.
In summary, by following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, individuals may be able to reduce their risk of dementia later in life.
The study highlights the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices in middle age to improve brain health and potentially prevent cognitive decline in old age.
How to prevent dementia
Dementia is a complex condition with many contributing factors, some of which cannot be prevented.
However, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing dementia. Here are some tips:
Exercise regularly: Physical activity has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Exercise helps increase blood flow to the brain and can improve cognitive function.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Avoiding excessive alcohol and saturated fats may also help.
Stay socially active: Maintaining social connections and engaging in activities with others may help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Social isolation has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline.
Stay mentally active: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is important for brain health, and poor sleep has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline.
Manage chronic health conditions: Chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. Managing these conditions can help reduce the risk.
Protect your head: Traumatic brain injury has been linked to an increased risk of dementia. Wear protective headgear when engaging in activities that pose a risk of head injury.
Don’t smoke: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
However, it’s important to remember that there is no guaranteed way to prevent dementia, and some risk factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be changed.
If you have concerns about your cognitive function or are experiencing memory problems, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and explore potential treatment options.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Vitamin B9 deficiency linked to higher dementia risk, and flavonoid-rich foods could help prevent dementia.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that cranberries could help boost memory, and Vitamin E may help prevent Parkinson’s disease
The study was presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 75th Annual Meeting.
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