Study Reveals Lifestyle Interventions Reduces Dementia Risk

Healthy lifestyle habits including diet, exercise, and social engagement that reduce dementia risk in older adults

Study Reveals Lifestyle Interventions Reduces Dementia Risk

A study of over 2,000 Americans between the ages of 60–79 shed light on how the risk of dementia can be reduced if 4 categories of lifestyle habits are utilized.  As we age, dementia risk increases.  The U.S. Pointer study, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, revealed 4 categories for better brain health to at least slow and prevent cognitive decline.

Healthy lifestyle habits including diet, exercise, and social engagement that reduce dementia risk in older adults
  • Nutrition
    Limiting your sugar and unhealthy fats while your diet should be focused on increased berries, nuts, leafy greens, whole grains, fish and olive oil (the Mediterranean Diet).
  • Cognitive Exercise and Social Engagement
    The study showed a computer-based brain program (which gradually gets more challenging) three times a week in addition to other intellectual challenges (i.e., learning a foreign language or how to play a musical instrument) increases brain health.  Regular social engagement is also helpful.
  • Physical Exercise
    • Moderate to intense aerobic exercise for 30–35 minutes 4 times a week
    • Strength and flexibility exercises twice a week
  • Health Monitoring
    A regular check of your weight, cholesterol, blood pressure and lab results will let you know if there is some deviation that should be addressed.

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