These "7 things" need to be done to prevent dementia? Study: Risk reduced by up to 43%
Whether an individual suffers from “dementia” in old age, may it be related to the past lifestyle? Previously, academic circles pointed out that the possible causes of brain diseases such as dementia or cognitive dysfunction are related to cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, a recent study in “Neurology” tried to connect a healthier lifestyle with the risk of dementia, and found that if you do “7 things” before entering old age, it may help prevent dementia or brain lesions.
American study: Achieving “7 health indicators” can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 43%
A research team from the University of Mississippi in the United States summoned 11,561 people for data analysis. The subjects were 54 years old on average and were randomly followed for 30 years. The team used genome-wide statistics for Alzheimer’s disease to calculate genetic risk scores and classify them into European Americans and African Americans, who have significantly different genes underlying Alzheimer’s disease. .
The research team further evaluated the disease status of the two groups of horses using 7 healthy life indicators: exercise, balanced diet, weight loss, not smoking, maintaining normal blood pressure, controlling cholesterol and lowering blood sugar. The results showed that for every increase in one health indicator, the subject’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease would be reduced by 9%. In addition, European Americans with higher index values have a 30% and 43% lower risk of moderate and severe dementia respectively, while African Americans have a 6% and 17% lower risk.
Study author Adrienne Tin pointed out that seven health indicators were found to be associated with a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in this study. The possible impact pathway is that measures such as controlling three highs, healthy diet and exercise can help reduce atherosclerosis, normalize cerebrovascular function, and thereby reduce the risk of cerebrovascular disease. Even for subjects with the highest genetic risk, taking 7 health indicators can help prevent dementia.
Pay special attention before entering old age! Avoid the top 10 dementia risk factors
In addition to adopting a healthier lifestyle, it is equally important to avoid dementia-related risk factors before reaching old age. A comprehensive study in the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry” has shown that “10 risk factors” may increase the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, including low education, cognitive decline, middle-aged obesity, and depression. , diabetes, hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia, head trauma, stress, postural hypotension.
Jin-Tai Yu, study author and neurologist at Fudan University in China, pointed out that the more of the above 10 risk factors, the higher the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, this study also draws on meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials to provide lifestyle recommendations for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, such as receiving education at a young age, participating in cognitive activities, avoiding diabetes and hypertension, improving sleep, reducing stress, and Stay away from depression etc.
“The above 10 risks all have clinical evidence. However, a larger sample size is still needed to find better methods to prevent dementia.” Yu said.
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