Making healthy lifestyle choices in middle age can lower the risk of dementia later in life. This is the finding of a study that followed 13,720 American women aged 54 on average, for about 20 years and whose results were presented at the annual session of theAmerican Academy of Neurology.
Syndrome that causes memory degradation and the ability to carry out daily activities, dementia affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, mainly through Alzheimer’s disease (60 to 70% of cases according to WHO). Nevertheless, this figure could increase to 82 million in 2030 and triple by 2050to increase to 152 million people concerned.
“Since we now know that dementia can start in the brain decades before diagnosis, it’s important that we learn more about how your habits in middle age can affect your risk of dementia in later life.”said Pamela Rist, medical epidemiologist member of theAmerican Academy of Neurology.
30 minutes of physical activity a day is enough
The researchers scored each of the women based on seven criteria (see slideshow): zero for poor or “intermediate” health and one point for ideal health. Over the two decades, they found that women who increased their score by just one point reduced their risk of dementia by 6%.
“It can be empowering for people to know that by taking steps such as exercising for half an hour a day or keeping their blood pressure under control, they can reduce their risk of dementia”concluded the epidemiologist.
Other good habits such as getting a good night’s sleep, stimulating our brain or staying in contact with those around us also limit the (early) onset of dementia.
Source : American Academy of Neurology
