Dementia is a condition that makes it hard for people to remember things, think clearly, or interact with others.
It isn’t just one disease but a group of symptoms that affect the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type.
People with dementia may forget names, important dates, or even how to get home from places they know well.
While some people are more likely to get dementia because of their genes, a new study shows that daily habits can still make a big difference.
The study was published in the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology and looked at seven healthy habits known as “Life’s Simple 7.” These habits were first suggested by the American Heart Association to help keep both the heart and brain healthy.
The seven habits are: staying active through regular exercise like walking or sports; eating better by choosing fruits, vegetables, and whole foods instead of junk food; maintaining a healthy weight to ease stress on the brain and body; not smoking; managing blood pressure; controlling cholesterol; and reducing blood sugar.
The researchers followed 11,561 people over 30 years. At the start, these people had an average age of 54. They answered questions about their lifestyle habits, and researchers collected genetic information to see who had a higher risk of getting dementia.
During the study, 1,603 people of European background and 631 of African background developed dementia. But those who followed the seven healthy habits were less likely to get the disease—no matter what their genes said.
The study did point out some limitations. There were fewer participants of African ancestry, so more research is needed to confirm the results for that group. Also, scientists believe more studies with people from different backgrounds will help make sure the findings apply to everyone.
Still, this research gives us an important message: even though you can’t change your genes, you can still take steps to protect your brain. Making small, healthy choices every day can help lower your chances of getting dementia.
Whether you are young or older, now is a great time to take care of your brain and body. Walking more, eating healthy, staying at a healthy weight, and keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under control are all things you can start doing today.
These steps won’t just help your brain—they’ll help your heart and your overall well-being too.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about dietary strategies to ward off dementia, and how omega-3 fatty acids fuel your mind.
For more health information, please see recent studies about Choline deficiency linked to Alzheimer’s disease, and what to eat (and avoid) for dementia prevention.
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