Strategies to reduce the risk of dementia

Dementia is a progressive condition that causes a decline in cognitive abilities, such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning, that interferes with daily life.  It's caused by a number of diseases that damage the brain over time, destroying nerve cells.  It's the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — to such an extent that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities.  Some people with dementia cannot control their emotions, and their personalities may change.  What can we do to reduce our risk?

1. Eating the right breakfast is one strategy that may help reduce dementia risk.
2. Regular physical activity:  Engage in consistent exercise, such as walking, swimming or yoga, to improve cardiovascular health and boost brain function.
3. Healthy diet:  Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Mental stimulation:  Keep the brain active by learning new skills, solving puzzles and reading or engaging in other challenging mental activities.
5. Social engagement:  Maintain a robust social network and participate in social activities to enhance mental well-being and cognitive function.
6. Adequate sleep:  Ensure 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep per night, because good sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and overall brain health.
7. Stress management:  Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises to protect the brain from the harmful effects of chronic stress.
8. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption:  Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake to protect brain cells and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
9. Manage health conditions:  Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol by getting regular checkups and by following your doctor's orders.

*I got this information HERE.  Why was I looking?  I've seen too many of these symptoms in my family and in my neighbors in this senior living facility.  That's why I walk a lot and try to eat correctly (often with friends in our Cafe here) and engage my mind by blogging about books.  So dementia is my Word of the Day.