PREVENTING DEMENTIA (How to prevent Dementia) from Mind Your Body

Note: The labels of this posting was updated on 2013-05-31 because I just added some info on homocysteine in HL123 bog.

The following is from a report by GERALDINE LING in Mind Your body of the Straits times dated 18 February 2010, Thursday.


PREVENTING DEMENTIA
The prospect of contracting dementia as we age is depressing. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of this cognitive disorder, said Dr Irwin Chung, director of medical services at the Ang Mo Kio-Thye Hua Kwan Hospital.

Reduce alcohol intake

Large amounts of alcoholic drinks appear to increase the risk of dementia. Although studies have shown that moderate amounts - one drink a day for women and two for men - have a protective effect, alcohol abuse ups your risk of developing the disease.

Maintain a healthy blood pressure level

Blood pressure that is too high or too low can put you at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.

Reduce cholesterol

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or 'bad' cholesterol, can significantly increase your risk of developing vascular dementia.

Do not smoke

Smoking is likely to increase your risk of developing dementia because it puts you at a higher risk of atherosclerosis and other types of vascular diseases.

Develop interests or hobbies

Developing and staying involved in activities can help both mind and body to stay healthy.

Engage in physical activityReduce homocysteine blood levels

Elevated blood levels of homocysteine - a type of amino acid produced by your body - may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Your body typically breaks down homocysteine using vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid.
If this is not happening, you may not be metabolising these vitamins well or lacking them in your diet.

Blood tests can determine whether you have elevated homocysteine levels.

Several studies have associated exercise, like walking, with better brain function.