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JUN 24

Dementia Prevention

Major predictors of dementia include age, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
As more people face dementia as they age, the good news is several daily activities have been found to reduce the risk of dementia or slow the progression for those in early stages.
Exercise
Exercise
Staying physically active offers protective benefits reducing the risk of dementia and maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. This can include:
aerobics (walks, aquatics, cycling),
strength-training (weights, bone builders),
stretching (chair yoga) and,
meditative movements such as Tai Chi and chair yoga.
Find an exercise partner to keep you accountable. This encourages social connection and routine.
Some studies have demonstrated the potential for delayed onset of cognitive decline or reduced rate of decline for physically active individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment.
Mental Stimulation
Keep your brain engaged.
Participate in tasks that motivate critical thinking skills, problem solving and creativity. This can include:

Reading
Crossword
puzzles

Gardening
sudoku are
some options

Audiobooks

Reading

Wood
Working
Activities should be something YOU find to be FUN! If the task is perceived as boring or unnecessarily challenging, you are less likely to commit to it.
Mental Stimulation
Diet
Diet
Nutrient rich eating patterns have been researched and found to have neuroprotective benefits, preventing onset of dementia and slowing the progression of those in the early stages.
Prioritize diet
Fruits
Vegetables
Cereals
Legumes
Olive Oil
Nuts
Seeds
Fish
Dairy
Wine
Low/less frequent intake of red and processed meats, sweets, and processed foods.
Below is a table taken from Cremonini et al. (2019) defining the three most common diet practices.
TABLE 1: Type and frequency of consumption of foods of the various dietary patterns having a role in AD prevention.
Social Contact
Social Contact
Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss
If hearing is a challenge for you, make sure you are seen for an audiology evaluation.
The use of hearing aids, if needed, ensures that information is adequately received and comprehended. This improves recall of information after a delay.
Cognitive Training
Research studies have supported the short-term benefits of cognitive training (Lindamer et al., 2022) to strengthen specific abilities (e.g., memory). Results from studies are inconclusive and while the benefits may be time limited they are sufficient enough to positively impact instrumental activities of daily living and modest cognitive improvement or slowing of cognitive declines.
Cognitive Symptom Management and Rehabilitation Training (CogSMART) has shown promise for improved cognitive functioning as well as improved functional independence.
Cognitive Training
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Dementia Prevention
Major predictors of dementia include age, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
Dementia Prevention
Major predictors of dementia include age, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
Dementia Prevention
Major predictors of dementia include age, genetics, and medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.