Breaking This Habit Will Greatly Reduce your Risk of Dementia

The rising prevalence of dementia is a cause for concern, with someone developing the condition every 3 seconds worldwide. In the United States alone, an estimated 6.7 million older adults have Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia, with that number expected to double by 2060. While genetics and family history play a significant role in dementia risk, one controllable factor stands out – having a sedentary lifestyle.

Research shows that nearly one-third of the world’s adult population, 1.8 billion adults, are physically inactive, spending a large portion of their day sitting. This sedentary behavior can lead to decreased blood flow in the brain, impair glucose and lipid metabolism, and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Jigar Rathod and Dr. Verna R. Porter, neurologists, explain how a sedentary lifestyle impacts the brain through various pathways, including reduced blood flow, increased cardiovascular risks, changes in brain structure, and chronic low-grade inflammation.

To decrease the risk of dementia, experts recommend taking breaks from sitting, engaging in brain-stimulating games, avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption, getting regular checkups, and consuming brain-healthy foods. The MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, has been shown to lower the risk of dementia by promoting the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and omega-3-rich foods.

In conclusion, implementing small lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity, playing cognitive games, and following a brain-healthy diet can aid in reducing the risk of dementia. By taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, individuals can potentially safeguard their brain health and lower the chances of developing dementia in the future.