Dementia is the name for a range of conditions that cause damage to the brain. This damage can affect memory, thinking, language and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. There are many conditions which cause dementia. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Vascular dementia, Lewy bodies dementia and Frontotemporal dementia are other types.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, growing scientific evidence* indicates that you can help to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Lowering our risk does not mean we can definitely avoid dementia.
Dementia cannot yet be prevented or cured. But evidence does suggest that by making small changes to the way we live, we can reduce our chances of developing dementia or at the very least, improve our health and wellbeing.
Here are some tips you can take to reduce your risk of dementia:
1. Be physically active
Doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity 3- 5 days a week such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, or gardening. Take the stairs instead of the lift or go for a walk at lunch. Build it up over time and if you have any doubts talk to your doctor.
2. Take care of your heart
What is good for your heart is also good for your brain. Protect yourself from things that can damage your heart and your brain such as having regular health checks with your doctor to ensure your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels are at a healthy range.
3. Eat a healthy diet
Eat a healthy balanced diet for brain and heart health by eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, 5 servings a day. Also include fish in your diet, particularly oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.
4. Take part in social activities
Connecting and interacting with social activities helps to build strong connections in the brain. Phone or meet family and friends regularly, share news and keep in touch.
5. Challenge your brain
Train your brain with new activities to help build new brain cells and strengthen connections between them. You could take up a new hobby such as painting, woodwork, music, crosswords, craft work.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides care and support to every year, to those living with dementia and their families througout the country. By introducing these 5 steps into your life now, it may help to reduce your risk later.
Take part this September 18th in our Alzheimer’s Memory Walk and do something great for your health while supporting people living with dementia across Ireland. To take part:
Find Out More About Brain Health
To find out more about brain health and reducing your risk of developing dementia you can speak with your doctor, visit www.alzheimer.ie, call the Alzheimer National Helpline on 1800 341 341. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.
*WHO Guidelines on risk reduction of cognitive decline and dementia, May 2019 @ www.who.int