Dementia is one of the serious mental health problems that affect the patient's ability to think, make decisions and remember things. Its risk is higher in people over the age of 60 years. Heredity and environmental factors are known to increase the risk of dementia. At the same time, in some studies, researchers found that even if we all pay attention to keeping the lifestyle right from an early age, it can be prevented.
Research conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford has found that unhealthy lifestyle habits are weakening the brain's ability, due to which the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia has also increased significantly. On the other hand, if some habits are included in the lifestyle of the youth, then their risk can be reduced by 40 percent.
How and what to do, let's know further.
What do experts say?
The study, carried out by Dementia Platform UK and Alzheimer's Research UK, led by Dr. Sarah Bauermeister, found that lifestyle habits increase the risk of this type of dementia over time. At the same time, people who kept their lifestyle right during the research found less risk of such diseases after the age of 60. Researchers found that conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol abuse, brain injury, hearing loss, smoking, and depression can also lead to dementia.
It is important to keep the diet better
Researchers have found that a healthy diet may be a better option for preventing diseases such as dementia. By keeping the amount of saturated fat and sugar in your diet low, you can reduce your risk of conditions such as diabetes and obesity, which are also risk factors for dementia.
Apart from this, everyone must consume a diet rich in seasonal vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, fish, and beans.
Alcohol and smoking are two major risk factors
Oxford experts have found a complex link between alcohol and dementia. Professor John Gallacher, of the Department of Psychiatry, says people who drink alcohol have a higher risk of developing dementia than other people.
Similarly, experts have also emphasized the link between smoking and dementia. Smoking causes damage to brain cells, due to which there is a risk of dementia. It is advised to give up both these habits completely.
It is important to exercise and socialize with people
The findings of the study suggest that regular exercise reduces the decline in thinking and memory abilities in Alzheimer's patients. It has both physical and mental health benefits. Health experts recommend at least 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Experts say that it is important to keep socializing with people to keep the brain active. Research has found that people who use the Internet may also have a lower risk of developing dementia.
(PC: Freepik)
