Do you believe living a healthy lifestyle is enough to prevent dementia later in life? Unfortunately, the answer is no.
It’s true that being physically active, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help ward off the onset of memory loss and other symptoms associated with age-related cognitive decline. But research has found there are additional elements needed for an optimal approach to preventing dementia.
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In this blog post, we’ll explore what those components are and uncover some key strategies you can use to protect your brain and mental health as you age.
Dementia is becoming an increasingly common part of society as the population ages. It is a type of cognitive decline characterized by memory loss, difficulty carrying out everyday tasks and concentrating, communication issues, and mood changes.
Globally, dementia affects over 50 million people, which is expected to more than double by 2050. Collectively, dementia costs the global economy an estimated $818 billion per year, making it a major healthcare burden that continues to put an enormous strain on the lives of those affected directly or indirectly. As dementia affects those over 65 at a much higher rate than younger populations, it reflects the rapidly aging population of many countries across the world now and in the future.
A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has found that opportunities for a healthy lifestyle are unequally distributed. It was found socially disadvantaged individuals, such as those on low incomes, were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
For the study, researchers used data from more than 6,200 participants in the LIFE Adult study at the Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases. All participants were between 40 and 79 years old and were not affected by dementia at the start of the study.
The large database enabled researchers to map a complex lifestyle index with twelve modifiable risk factors for dementia. These included hypertension, physical activity, smoking, obesity, and dietary habits.
Socio-economic factors such as occupational status, education, and household income were also considered for the results.
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It was found that differences in cognitive performance due to social inequalities were related to modifiable health and lifestyle factors for dementia. However, lifestyle factors only explained differences in mental performance due to socio-economic factors to a small extent. The study findings also suggest that most of the emphasis should be on social conditions. Researchers suggest that “lifestyle interventions could mitigate social inequalities in cognitive performance.”
Nutritional Support for Cognitive Function
Brain function is an important topic of discussion throughout life, and there are many factors that can take a toll on the ability of the brain to function at peak potential. This can affect memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
The Smart Pill can help to enhance cognitive function and memory through 9 ingredients that help to support, nourish, and maximize brain health. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. The formulation of these ingredients is an excellent way to help fight free radicals, boost circulation, and provide nutritional support to assist with cognitive function.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
