Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect the mental functions of the brain, including reasoning, memory, and communication.

It’s a disorder that primarily affects older adults, and it is estimated that 50 million people worldwide live with dementia.

While there is no cure for dementia, some lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing the disorder. Here are some surprising ways to reduce dementia risk:.

1. Keep Your Brain Active

Keeping your brain active by engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Some activities that can keep your brain active include reading, solving puzzles, learning new skills, and playing games.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can help reduce the risk of dementia. It’s also important to limit the intake of processed and sugary foods and to avoid foods high in saturated and trans fats.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet can, therefore, help reduce the risk of the disorder.

4. Avoid Smoking

Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia. Quitting smoking or avoiding smoking altogether can help reduce the risk of the disorder.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is important for overall health and can also reduce the risk of dementia. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night to keep their brain functioning properly.

6. Keep Your Heart Healthy

Keeping your heart healthy by maintaining normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. It’s also important to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet to keep your heart healthy.

7. Stay Socially Active

Staying socially active can help reduce the risk of dementia. Joining social groups, participating in community activities, and spending time with family and friends can all help keep the brain active and reduce the risk of the disorder.

8. Manage Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on the brain and may increase the risk of developing dementia.

Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help keep the brain healthy and reduce the risk of the disorder.

9. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can also help reduce the risk of dementia. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in water content can help keep the brain functioning properly.

10. Get Regular Check-Ups

Getting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help detect any health problems early on and reduce the risk of developing dementia.

It’s important to have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks, as well as monitoring for any other health conditions that may increase the risk of dementia.

Conclusion

Dementia is a debilitating disorder that primarily affects older adults. While there is no cure for the disorder, some lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing it.

By keeping the brain active, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, avoiding smoking, getting enough sleep, keeping the heart healthy, staying socially active, managing stress, staying hydrated, and getting regular check-ups, individuals can help reduce their risk of developing dementia.