Lifestyle and dementia

http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/dementia-riskfactors/

A risk factor is anything that can increase your chance of developing dementia. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (like heart disease and stroke) are also risk factors for all dementia. So it’s a good idea to keep healthy by:

• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking
• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
• Controlling high blood pressure
• Reducing your cholesterol level
• Controlling your blood glucose if you have diabetes
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables and low amounts of saturated fat
• Only drinking alcohol within the recommended limits

Some studies suggest that enjoying an active life, with lots of interests and hobbies might be beneficial. Other researchers have found that spending more time in education is associated with a lower risk.

It’s not yet known whether eating oily fish or taking B vitamins can reduce the risk of dementia as studies so far have had mixed results. It is not advised to take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen) or HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to protect against dementia, as research is continuing in this area. You should talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or drugs that claim to prevent dementia, as most are unproven and they can have serious side effects.

You might read or hear about other risk factors for dementia. Despite occasional publicity, research has shown that meat, aluminium or living close to power lines are not risk factors for dementia. There is also no evidence that turmeric, gingko, ginseng, statins or coffee can protect against dementia.

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