Someone who has dementia may have a group of symptoms such as loss of memory, language, and problem-solving that are severe enough to interfere with their daily life. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Dementia is a rapidly growing public health problem affecting around 50 million people around the world.” They also predict that by the year 2050, the number of people affected by dementia will triple.
Further, as we age our risk of dementia drastically increases and that’s why it’s so important to recognize the early warning signs of dementia. There is also, unfortunately, no cure for dementia which makes prevention even more important. Follow along as we uncover the top healthy habits everyone should take to reduce your risk of dementia.
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Exercise Regularly
We’ve been told to exercise regularly our entire lives and there’s a reason for that. Researchers have found evidence that links regular exercise to brain health. According to the WHO, “…physically active people seem less likely to develop cognitive decline, all-cause dementia, vascular dementia and Alzheimer disease when compared with inactive people.” Not only is exercise great for reducing your risk of dementia but it’s also good for your heart, blood circulation, weight management, and your mental wellbeing.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states that adults looking for substantial health benefits should aim for 150 to 300-minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150-minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity. Some great examples include swimming and walking. It’s also recommended that older adults focus on balance training as well as aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.
Older adults with chronic conditions should also be mindful of how their conditions affect their ability to exercise which is important to ensure they are exercising safely. Here are some Exercise Tips for People with Low Mobility.