Dementia Prevention Tips: 5 Tips To Reduce Risk Of Dementia In Older People 

People above 60 are at higher risk of having some form of dementia. The WHO survey says there are 10 million new cases of dementia every year globally.

Dementia Prevention Tips: Dementia is a brain health disease in which a person's cognitive functioning embarks on a downward spiral, disrupting their thinking, remembering and reasoning ability. Dementia is a common health concern affecting a whopping amount of people worldwide. Currently, there are 55 million people who have dementia globally and this goes on increasing as people grow older. Dementia can range from mild to severe, depending on the age and symptoms of a person. It usually affects people above 60 and can become worse significantly in those above the age of 85.

Symptoms of dementia

Here are the signs and symptoms that can indicate dementia in a person.

• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Difficulty remembering things
• Sudden mood change
• Getting lost in familiar neighborhood
• Difficulty doing daily tasks
• Emotional instability
• Facing communication issues like finding words

5 Tips To Reduce Risk Of Dementia

Although dementia is a common health problem in elderly, it is not a sign of healthy ageing. Some people live their life without having dementia ever. You can reduce your risk of dementia by identifying its risk factors and with these 5 prevention tips.

Healthy Eating

Diet plays a key role in healthy ageing. Some studies suggest that eating brain-friendly foods can reduce your risk of dementia. Although more research is needed to affirm this. However, eating antioxidants, vitamins and minerals rich foods keeps the brain healthy and active. Eating bad food directly affects our digestive system and mood. The British Heart Foundation recommends eating omega3 and 6 rich foods to boost brain health.

Exercise

Keep yourself engaged in some form of physical activity like walking, climbing stairs or doing yoga. Daily little stretches can also be helpful. Exercising boosts blood circulation and keeps your bone health under check. With exercise, you also prevent heart disease which indirectly affects the brain and can result in dementia. So, stay active and keep moving around.

Quit Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is associated with dementia as long-term drinking can result in brain injury. Excessive alcohol consumption can result in dementia-like symptoms such as memory loss and confusion. Alcohol also damages other body organs including the heart and liver, which are indirectly associated with dementia.

Manage Pre-Existing Health Problems

According to the United Kingdom's Alzheimer's Society, preexisting health conditions like diabetes and heart disease increase the risk of dementia. It is important to address these health problems to reduce the risk of dementia. Timely health checkups and taking control of your lifestyle can give you favorable results.

Prevent Head Injury

Brain injury can lead to trauma which may result in dementia. The Alzheimer's Association says traumatic brain injury poses a great risk of declining cognitive health. In fact, brain injuries are one of the most common causes of dementia in older people. It is important to protect your head from getting hit or injured to reduce the risk of dementia.

Dementia can be prevented early by taking control of its risk factors. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to prevent essential vitamins and minerals deficiency. Along with this consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms of dementia.

Disclaimer: This content is for generic information only. Please consult a doctor for personalized guidance on diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of dementia.