Pre Diagnosis
Prevention, Healthy Lifestyle
Evidence is showing that making lifestyle changes in our mid-life can delay dementia symptoms in later life.
CAN DEMENTIA BE PREVENTED?
Although getting older is the biggest risk factor for dementia, evidence shows there are things you can do to help reduce your own risk. These include keeping active, eating healthily, and exercising your mind. There is no certain way to prevent all types of dementia, as researchers are still investigating how the condition develops. However, there’s good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing dementia as you get older. A healthy lifestyle can also help prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as a stroke or heart attacks, which are themselves risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia (the two most common types of dementia).
RISK FACTORS FOR DEMENTIA
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of developing a condition.
Some dementia risk factors are difficult or impossible to change. These include:
- age: the older you are, the more likely you are to develop dementia. However, dementia is not a natural part of ageing
- genes: in general, genes alone are not thought to cause dementia. However, certain genetic factors are involved with some of the less common types of dementia.
- Lower levels of education: continuing to learn new skills, hobbies and academic self-development throughout your life is proving to delay or reduce the risk of dementia.
Research suggests other risk factors may also be important. These include:
- hearing loss
- untreated depression
- loneliness or social isolation
- lack of physical activity
The research concluded that by modifying the risk factors that we can change, our risk of developing dementia could be reduced by around a third. How to reduce your risk
Experts agree that what is good for your heart is also good for your brain. This means you can help reduce your risk of dementia by:
- eating a healthy, balanced dietmaintaining a healthy weight
- exercising regularly
- keeping alcohol within recommended limits
- stopping smoking
- keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level
- Follow the NHS Guidelines to help with a healthier lifestyle
OTHER POPULAR PAGES
Community News – Find out all that is happening in your local area from groups, clubs, and events to campaigns, such as Dementia Action Week. Find out what’s happening near you.
Community Blog – short informative stories written by our readers. Both professionals and people living with dementia or caring for someone with dementia.
