Dementia and memory loss: 14 actions to counter cognitive decline
Nearly half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed, according to recent Lancet research
A recent research published in the prestigious journal Lancet has shaken the scientific world and offered new hope in the fight against dementia. According to the results of the study, almost half of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by acting on 14 modifiable risk factors.
The main risk factors
The research has identified two new risk factors, high cholesterol and visual problems, which are added to the 12 already known ones, including:
- Lifestyle: smoking, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, obesity
- Health: hypertension, diabetes, depression, head trauma
- Environment: pollution, social isolation
- Socio-economic factors: low level of education
How do these factors affect the brain?
Many of these factors damage the blood vessels in the brain, depriving the brain cells of oxygen and necessary nutrients. Others, such as social isolation and depression, can accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia.
Preventing dementia: an investment for the future
The good news is that many of these risk factors can be changed through a healthy lifestyle. Adopting healthy habits from a young age can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia in the future.
What can we do?
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet: Give preference to fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish
- Get active regularly: Even a simple daily walk can make a difference
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for many diseases, including dementia
- Monitor cardiovascular risk factors: Keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar under control
- Stimulate the mind: Reading, crossword puzzles, learning a new language or playing a musical instrument are great ways to keep your brain active
- Cultivating social relationships: Interacting with others and participating in group activities helps prevent social isolation.
The economic and social impact of dementia
Dementia is a serious public health problem, with a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and their families. The economic costs of managing the disease are high and will increase in the coming years due to an ageing population.
Invest in prevention
Preventing dementia means not only improving people’s quality of life, but also reducing the costs for health and social care. Promoting healthy lifestyles and addressing modifiable risk factors is an investment in the future, which can lead to significant benefits for society as a whole.