Doctors Urge 8 Habits to Cut Dementia Risk by Up to 45%
Updated
Updated · AOL · Aug 12
Doctors Urge 8 Habits to Cut Dementia Risk by Up to 45%
3 articles · Updated · AOL · Aug 12
Summary
A Lancet estimate cited in the report says 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes, prompting doctors to highlight eight practical habits rather than a major life overhaul.
35 minutes of moderate exercise a week was linked to a 41% lower dementia risk, rising to 69% at 140 minutes, while Mediterranean-style eating and the MIND diet were also tied to lower risk.
Social activity in mid- and late-life was associated with up to a 50% lower dementia risk, and doctors also recommended daily mental challenges such as crosswords, reading aloud and taking new routes.
7% of cases could be prevented by addressing hearing loss, doctors said, adding that seven hours of sleep, sleep-apnea screening, vitamin B12 and D checks, and good oral health may also protect cognition.
The advice builds on earlier research pointing to modifiable midlife risks—such as blood pressure, diabetes and smoking—as key levers for delaying dementia.