A Healthy Lifestyle Could Help Prevent Dementia
9/30/2024
Every three seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a type of dementia, which is the general term for the loss of memory, language, and ability to make decisions enough that it impacts everyday life. Caused by damage to brain cells, dementia is becoming increasingly more common and a leading cause of disability and dependency among older Americans. However, evidence suggests living a healthy lifestyle could help prevent severe cognitive decline and a dementia diagnosis.
“Today, there’s no cure for dementia so our best course of action is to prevent the condition from developing,” says Kimberly Crawford, M.D., a primary care physician with Navarro Family Clinic. “Making a lifelong commitment to healthy living is our best bet for reducing the risk of dementia and increasing our quality of life.”
Dr. Crawford recommends these lifestyle changes for preventing dementia and living a healthier life:
- Eat fresh food: A regular diet of processed and packaged foods is associated with a higher risk of dementia according to the American Academy of Neurology. Keep your brain and body healthy with whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean protein.
- Learn new things: Continuously challenge your mind with new activities and hobbies. Mental exercises like puzzles, card games, or painting can help maintain cognitive function.
- Manage blood pressure levels: High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the brain, and if left unchecked could also lead to serious conditions like heart attack and stroke.
- Remain social: Keep up with family and friends or get involved in your community through clubs and other organizations. Maintaining a social life can greatly benefit memory, ward off loneliness, and improve mental health.
- Stay active: Cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. Just 30 minutes a day, five times a week of moderate exercise helps to maintain mental sharpness and improve overall health.
“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mental stimulation—can play a significant role in reducing the risk of dementia. However, early detection is equally important. If you or a loved one notice changes in memory, mood, or cognitive function, it’s crucial to talk with your doctor right away. Early intervention can help slow the disease's progression and develop a care plan tailored to preserving the quality of life”, says Dr. Crawford.
An extreme deterioration in cognitive abilities is not a normal part of the aging process. If you or a loved one are experiencing memory issues, visit Navarro-Docs.com to book an appointment with a primary care physician.
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