You might not be able to stop the clock, but there are some simple lifestyle habits that can have a big impact on your risk of developing dementia. We've teamed up with Alzheimer's Society to give you seven simple tips for reducing your chances of developing this condition:
Having dementia is a frightening prospect, and while there are treatments available to help slow down the effects of the disease, there's no cure. The best way to prevent dementia is by reducing your risk factors—and that's where prevention comes in.
The key to prevention is early detection. You should be aware of how common dementia is and what its signs and symptoms are so you can recognize them if they occur in yourself or someone else you know. If you think someone may have symptoms of dementia, it's important for them to get help as soon as possible before their condition worsens.
If you're concerned about yourself or another person with suspected symptoms of dementia, call one of these numbers:
Being educated on the difference between normal aging and dementia is key to understanding when you should seek help. Dementia is a general term used to describe memory loss, language difficulties and other cognitive problems that interfere with daily life. Often confused with age-related memory loss (a natural part of getting older), dementia typically involves symptoms that are more severe or prolonged than usual as well as changes in mood or behavior.
In order to avoid confusing these two conditions, it's important to know what signs indicate you may be experiencing dementia:
Again, many of these symptoms can be attributed to normal aging; however, it's important that you consult your doctor if they begin occurring often within six months of each other over time. If you've noticed any of these changes while caring for someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease—or any other form of dementia—it may help them feel less isolated by sharing information about their condition so they can better understand why they're having difficulty remembering certain things from one day (or even minute) to another.
If you have concerns about your brain health, see your doctor for a thorough check-up. Your physician can take a detailed medical history and conduct an extensive physical exam to rule out other conditions that may be causing memory loss or confusion.
They may also recommend additional tests such as brain scans (CT scan or MRI), electroencephalography (EEG) and/or other types of imaging studies to investigate potential causes of cognitive decline.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
People often think that asking for help means they are weak or not independent, but this is far from the truth. In fact, it takes a lot of courage to admit you need assistance and accept it when offered by someone else. Asking others for help will make them feel appreciated and valued, as well as lessening your own stress levels by freeing up some of your time so you can focus on other important things.
In some instances, however (such as when dealing with dementia), having someone else take over tasks is essential in order for good health outcomes to occur.
Share your worries. If you have a support network, it's important to use them. Make sure they know what’s going on in your life, so they can help when you need it most. They should be able to listen and give advice if needed.
If you don't have anyone to talk to or confide in, consider joining an online community such as our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/dementiaandyou/. We are a great bunch of people who will always do their best to help each other out through hard times!
Don't be ashamed about asking for help: whether it's friends or family members (or even professionals), people want nothing more than for their loved ones' wellbeing—and no one should feel ashamed for asking for assistance when things aren't going well!
It's important to celebrate your successes along the way. In fact, research suggests that celebrating achievements is vital for maintaining your mental well-being. Whether it's a promotion at work or a big exam result, there are many ways in which you can recognize and embrace these milestones.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about improving yourself every day. Focus on what you have achieved and look forward to what lies ahead rather than dwelling on what you will never be able to do in the future.
You should also stop comparing yourself with others; in fact, this can have a negative impact on how we view ourselves and our achievements compared to others'. While comparing yourself with others may motivate you initially, too much comparison can cause feelings of inferiority or self-doubt which will ultimately make you less confident about achieving goals over time.
The best way to get started is by talking to your doctor. It's never too late to take action - even small steps can make a big difference in the long run. Asking for help shows that you're serious about preventing dementia and will be an important first step in changing your lifestyle.
So, there you have it. If you want to keep your brain in tip-top shape and reduce your risk of dementia, these seven lifestyle habits can help. The key is early detection - make sure you do the self-assessment and see your doctor if there are any concerns about your brain health. Don't try to do everything alone; share your worries with friends and family so they know what's going on with you. Finally, don't forget that it's never too late to take action - even small steps can make a big difference!
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