It is no secret that many older adults are worried about Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, most people, as they age, will not have Alzheimer’s or dementia. The more we discover about the aging brain and these devastating diseases, the more we understand the association between lifestyle and cognitive changes. However, there are additional factors that can contribute to Alzheimer’s and dementia that we don’t know enough about with any certainty.
The Global Council on Brain Health, in conjunction with AARP, is an independent collaborative of scientists, health professionals, scholars, and policy experts from around the world working in areas of brain health related to human cognition. It is estimated that up to 50% of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by modifying risk factors. So what does this mean? In a nutshell, if you can manage or eliminate chronic health conditions, you reduce your risk of dementia. Let’s look closer at how you can improve your overall health and possibly prevent cognitive decline.
Modifiable Conditions
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are complicated, and most cases are untreatable. Managing risk factors seems like the most significant step you can take to reduce your chances of dementia. Here are the risk factors most associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Managing these chronic conditions is vital to leading a brain-healthy life.
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Hearing and vision loss
- Depression
- High cholesterol
- Alcohol use
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Physical inactivity
- Air pollution
Pillars of Brain Health
Experts have identified these as keys to brain health in addition to managing chronic health conditions. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, pick one or two areas to focus on, but keep moving forward to improve these pillars of brain health.
Be Social
- Consistently stay in touch with friends and family. If you can’t meet personally, reach out via phone or text.
- Social opportunities are everywhere, especially if you live in a senior community. Get outside your comfort zone and meet new people.
- Consider adding a pet to your life
- Don’t let yourself get isolated. Loneliness is associated with depression.
- Social media has social value, but it should be used cautiously. Social media is not a substitute for personal contact.
- Helping others helps you, too. Consider volunteering in your community.
- Social bonds pay off throughout life.
Engage Your Brain
- You can conquer your stress by using tried and true stress reduction techniques. Try yoga, listening to music, walking, and talking with friends.
- A stable daily schedule promotes calm. Try using a calendar to schedule calls/outreach, and activities so you stay on track.
- Physical activity can ease stress and improve mood.
- Social ties boost positive feelings.
- Stay aware of your stress level early to cope before it gets out of control.
- Laughter relieves stress.
Ongoing Exercise
- Exercise supports memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and attention.
- Do anything that gets your body to move. However, check with your doctor before trying a new exercise.
- Pick an activity you enjoy and ask a friend to join you.
- Physical activity boosts mental well-being.
Restorative Sleep
- Make sleep a priority.
- Practice good Sleep Hygiene
- You pay a mental and physical price for lack of sleep.
- Restful sleep helps your brain work better.
- Save your worries for the daytime and engage in activity to keep your mind free from worry.
Healthy Eating
- Wise food choices can protect your brain. Take control of your diet by making slow, gradual changes for lasting results.
- Go light on certain foods, such as those with higher saturated fats
- Avoid processed foods
- Be an informed consumer. Learn to read food labels.
Even if you feel you are practicing most of these pillars of brain health, the journey can continually be improved and is never over. Remember that managing chronic diseases is critical to your physical and mental health. Talk with your doctor about additional ways to manage chronic health conditions that concern you.
Contact Us
Ready to join a community that celebrates you every day? Contact us at The Chateau or Park Place to schedule a tour and see firsthand why so many active adults are proud to call Highlands Residential home. Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions and help you find the perfect place to start this exciting new chapter of your life.