A Healthy Lifestyle Could Help Prevent Dementia
9/26/2023
TUCSON, AZ (Sept. 27, 2022) – Every three seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with a type of dementia.
Dementia is the general term for the loss of memory, language, and decision-making abilities people need to live their everyday lives. Caused by damage to brain cells, dementia is becoming more common – and a leading cause of disability and dependency among older Americans.
However, evidence suggests living a healthy lifestyle could help prevent severe cognitive decline and a dementia diagnosis.
“There is no cure for dementia, so our best course of action is to prevent it from developing,” says Monica Sarawagi, M.D., a physician who specializes in family and geriatric medicine with Northwest Primary Care at SaddleBrooke. “Making a steady, lifelong commitment to healthy living is our best chance to reduce our risk.”
Dr. Sarawagi recommends the following lifestyle strategies for preventing dementia and living a healthier life:
- Eat fresh food: A regular diet of processed and packaged foods is associated with a higher risk of dementia, according to the American Academy of Neurology. Keep your brain and body healthy with whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and lean protein.
- Learn new things: Continuously challenge your mind with new activities and hobbies. Mental exercises like puzzles, card games, or painting can help maintain your cognitive function.
- Manage blood pressure levels: High blood pressure, or hypertension, can damage blood vessels in the brain. If left unchecked, it can also lead to heart attack and stroke.
- Remain social: Keep up with family and friends; and/or get involved in your community through clubs and other organizations. Maintaining a social life can greatly benefit memory, ward off loneliness, and improve mental health.
- Stay active: Cardiovascular exercise increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. Just 30 minutes a day, five times a week, of moderate exercise helps maintain mental sharpness and improve overall health.
“Research in dementia prevention is increasing,” Dr. Sarawagi said, “and some forms of dementia are avoidable and preventable. We also have ways to treat and slow down the symptoms. Patients need to know that an extreme deterioration in cognitive abilities is not a normal part of the aging process. Taking with a physician at the first sign of dementia is crucial – and a routine medication review should be part of every checkup.”
If you or a loved one are experiencing memory issues, visit nwalliedphysicians.com/family-medicine-care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician.
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