An estimated four in ten cases of dementia are lifestyle-related. Alzheimer’s Research UK has developed a new list of 12 things to look out for to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
- In France, a million people live with Alzheimer’s disease, 225,000 people are diagnosed each year.
- According to estimates, 4 out of 10 cases of dementia are linked to lifestyle.
- A British association has developed a list of 12 points to watch out for to reduce risks.
Age, genetics and gender are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. But unfortunately we can’t do anything about it. On the other hand, 40% of cases of dementia are linked to lifestyle factors and are therefore modifiable.
The biggest fear of aging is dementia
Each year, 225,000 people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in France. it is estimated that around a million French people live with the disease.
Professor Jonathan Short, chief medical officer of Alzheimer’s Research UK, told British media: “Dementia is now the most feared consequence of aging and so people want to know about their risks.”
“Some people are (genetically) destined to develop dementia, but we now know that up to 40% of dementia risk is potentially modifiable. And we are now developing a rational evidence base of at least 12 potentially risk factors. editable”specifies the specialist.
Based on this observation, the organization has developed a list of monitoring points to reduce the risk of cognitive disorders with age.
12 things that can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
- Sleep at least seven hours a night : numerous studies have shown that lack of sleep increases the risk of cognitive disorders. Some data suggest that sleep deprivation promotes the accumulation of amyloid β peptide and tau protein, elements involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease, in the brain.
- Exercise the brain regularly : doing crosswords, learning to play an instrument or a new language… activities based on thinking and learning help keep the brain healthy.
- Ensure your mental well-being : stress and anxiety promote the onset of dementia. It is therefore important to combat these difficulties. Meditation, yoga or simply taking time to do a valued activity (reading, sewing, etc.) help reduce stress.
- Stay socially active : numerous studies have shown that social isolation increases the risks of developing cognitive disorders as we age.
- Take care of your hearing.
- Have a balanced diet : Eating a diet rich in bad fats, sugar and salt increases the risk of developing diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases.
- Stay physically active : It is recommended to have at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity endurance activity per week to stay mentally and psychologically fit.
- Stop smoking.
- Drink responsibly : it is advisable to make sure not to drink more than 10 glasses of alcohol per week and not to exceed two glasses per day.
- Maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Make sure you have healthy blood pressure.
- Best management of your diabetes : Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
