Dementia Prevention Tips

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

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

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

Wine

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.

Social Contact

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.