{"id":10291,"date":"2023-06-09T13:49:13","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T19:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dsiohn098w.mpqhf.org\/blog\/?p=10291"},"modified":"2023-06-09T13:53:27","modified_gmt":"2023-06-09T19:53:27","slug":"six-ways-to-reduce-the-risk-of-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dsiohn098w.mpqhf.org\/blog\/six-ways-to-reduce-the-risk-of-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"Six Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

By Mountain Pacific<\/em><\/p>\n

June 6, 2023<\/p>\n

In the United States, an estimated 5 million people are living with a form of dementia, like Alzheimer\u2019s disease. There is currently no known cure for dementia, but a growing body of research suggests healthy lifestyle choices<\/a> can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Read on for some healthy habits to help protect the brain from dementia.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Brain Train<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Brain teasers and games<\/a> like board games, crosswords and even video games are not just a fun way to pass the time. They also give your brain a workout, strengthening areas of the brain that can be affected by dementia. The stronger these areas get, the lower the risk of cognitive decline. Games that have more than one player can also provide the benefit of socializing with others.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. The Buddy System<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Having a large, strong social network has also been proven to reduce the risk of dementia<\/a> and delay or prevent cognitive decline. In fact, having daily contact with friends and family can cut the risk of dementia almost in half! Scientists believe that spending more time socially engaged limits the amount of time the brain remains unfocused. Older adults may have difficulty changing gears from unfocused to engaged brain states but the more time they spend engaged with others and their surroundings, the less often they switch back to an inactive state and the more independent they can live.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Safety on the Mind<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        A traumatic brain injury (TBI) at any age can increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia<\/a>. Even a mild TBI in early life may increase this risk later in life. This is because harm caused by a TBI can hinder the brains development. The risk of cognitive decline and dementia becomes greater as a person ages, as well as with each TBI a person experiences. You can reduce your risk of TBIs by wearing helmets when playing contact sports or biking, buckling up when driving and taking precautions to prevent falls.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. No Ifs, ands or Butts<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Smoking cigarettes is harmful to most organs in the human body and the brain is no exception. Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular problems which can directly affect the brain. If you are a smoker, you are more likely to suffer from a stroke or brain bleed, both of which have been linked to a higher risk of dementia. But there is good news! When a person quits smoking, not only is their risk of dementia reduced, but the risk of heart disease and cancer is also greatly reduced. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for smoking cessation resources<\/a> or speak to your health care provider about programs and counseling in your area.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Preservation with Education<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Studies have shown that higher levels of education are linked to a lowered risk of dementia<\/a>. While the reason for this is unknown, it is presumed that education improves the brain by helping it develop more synapses. This improves the cognitive reserve of the brain, which helps it resist or cope with damage that can lead to dementia. Consider signing up for classes online or at your local community college to keep your brain strong and healthy. You can also look for educational opportunities as entertainment! Learn at your leisure by watching YouTube tutorials or listening to podcasts.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. The Heart of the (Gray) Matter<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              As mentioned earlier, cardiovascular issues can have a direct effect on your brain health. There is a strong connection between high cholesterol in midlife and cognitive decline. Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure will also weaken the heart and increase the risk of dementia. Diet and regular exercise are excellent ways to strengthen the heart and improve your overall health. Find fun, new ways to get active, cut out unneeded sugar and eat more lean proteins and vegetables.<\/p>\n

              The story doesn\u2019t end with just a healthy brain. Taking steps to protect your brain from dementia will also help protect your heart, lungs, mental health and more. Learn more about dementia and how to lower the risk from the CDC<\/a> or this episode of Healthy Living for Life<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              By Mountain Pacific June 6, 2023 In the United States, an estimated 5 million people are living with a form of dementia, like Alzheimer\u2019s disease. There is currently no known cure for dementia, but a growing body of research suggests healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Read on for some healthy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":10293,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[315,176,314,317,58,259,316],"class_list":{"0":"post-10291","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-healthy-living","8":"tag-alzheimer","9":"tag-alzheimers-disease","10":"tag-dementia","11":"tag-education","12":"tag-health","13":"tag-prevention","14":"tag-wellness","15":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nSix Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dementia - Mountain Pacific Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/dsiohn098w.mpqhf.org\/blog\/six-ways-to-reduce-the-risk-of-dementia\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Six Ways to Reduce the Risk of Dementia - Mountain Pacific Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Mountain Pacific June 6, 2023 In the United States, an estimated 5 million people are living with a form of dementia, like Alzheimer\u2019s disease. 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