Lifestyle changes to ward off dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society has said “five simple changes” to a persons lifestyle could make a significant difference in preventing dementia. The charity states that regular exercise as the most important factor despite growing evidence that the condition is linked to lifestyles.

Dr Clare Walton from Alzheimer’s Society said: “Some 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia but with no cure yet, we need a significant public health effort to attempt to reduce the number of future cases of the condition.

“We know that what is good for your heart is good for your head and there are simple things you can start doing now to reduce your risk of developing dementia. Regular exercise is a good place to start as well as eating a Mediterranean diet and avoiding smoking.

Alzheimer’s Society encourages people to follow five simple things to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia:

• Exercise – there’s more evidence that regular exercise will prevent dementia than any other measure.

• Eat Mediterranean food – eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts, a little red wine and not much meat or dairy.

• Manage other health conditions – other conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure both increase the risk of developing dementia

• Avoid smoking

• Use it or lose it – scientists believe that frequently challenging the brain with new things is the key, for example taking up a new hobby, learning a language or even walking an unfamiliar route.