Published on: June 1, 2015
by Alzheimer’s Association:
The evidence is mounting; People can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes. That is the conclusion of a new research summary published online today in Alzheimer’s & Dementia – The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“The research on cognitive decline is still evolving,” said Angela Geiger, Chief Strategy Officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “But there are actions people can take. Certain healthy behaviors known to combat cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. These include staying mentally active, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a heart-healthy diet that benefits your body and your brain. There is also some evidence people may benefit from staying socially engaged with friends, family and the community.”
With this in mind, the Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 Ways to Love Your Brain, tips that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
“While the adoption of all of these habits is important in influencing brain health, if it seems overwhelming, start with one or two changes and build on them,” said Geiger. “While some changes may be challenging, others can be fun. Try to choose activities and foods you enjoy.”
In addition to reducing your risk of cognitive decline, these tips may also reduce your risk of dementia. Evidence for reducing risk of dementia is currently strongest in relation to formal education and the avoidance of head injury; other tips show indication of possibly reducing risk. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is one of the nation’s largest public health crises. Alzheimer’s is an irreversible neurological disease that impairs cognition, orientation and functional capacity, and it is the only cause of death among the top 10 life-threatening conditions in the United States that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.
Cognitive decline is a deterioration in memory or cognition. Although some cognitive decline is expected with age, it is not yet known how this may directly relate to dementia.
Source: http://prn.to/1FXyn0w
Our annual signature event FROM HER LIPS TO OUR EARS is back! This year, Joan Lunden, award-winning journalist, bestselling author, and television host, candidly shares her anxieties, breakthroughs, and how she’s coping with the realities...
Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection- fighting antibodies to help increase disease resistance. So go ahead, and laugh out loud!
The material presented through the Think Tank feature on this website is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. WBHI strongly advises all questioners and viewers using this feature with health problems to consult a qualified physician, especially before starting any treatment. The materials provided on this website cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. The materials are not exhaustive and cannot always respect all the most recent research in all areas of medicine.