Simple Daily Habits That May Delay the Onset of Dementia

Dementia often seems to strike arbitrarily and without reason. It not only affects the person diagnosed but everyone close to them, including their loved ones and caregivers. This is probably why researchers in the United States classify dementia as a silent epidemic. Nearly 50 million people across the world are likely to be afflicted with some form of dementia. By 2030, these numbers could be up to 75 million or greater. Can you prevent dementia? While you cannot avoid it altogether, you can reduce your risk of getting dementia by making a few changes to your lifestyle:

1. Include Turmeric in Your Diet:

You don’t have to love Indian food to include turmeric in your diet. Add a tiny pinch of it to your milk or soup, blend it with your smoothie, or add it to your scrambled eggs. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloid, and antioxidant. Several studies, including one published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, provide evidence about curcumin preventing the onset of dementia.

2. Stay Active:

A study which focused on the daily habits and activities of a group of Indian natives living in a tiny village found that active lifestyle is the key to staving off dementia. Individuals in this predominantly farming community had the lowest levels of Alzheimer’s ever recorded by scientists. Everyone, including the elderly, was physically active and following a low-fat, vegetarian diet. Of course, crossword puzzles and brain teasers help to keep the mind active, but staying physically active is more important; physical activity regulates blood pressure, lowers blood fat, regulates metabolism, and decreases inflammatory response in the body.

3. Stay Connected:

A study that tracked more than 10,000 persons for over 23 years found that an active social life during your 50s and 60s was the key to preventing dementia later in life. Individuals who saw friends almost daily had a 12% lower likelihood of getting dementia than those who met family and friends every few months. Just as learning a new activity or language builds a connection between brain cells, so does socializing. Spend time with friends at the community center or your local church. Reach out to those who need help to develop positive outcomes through social interactions. Individuals who have a large social network can reduce cognitive impairment as well as their risk of getting dementia. If you’re struggling to make new friends, how about hiring an in-home healthcare assistant for companionship? They can also help with errands and other chores!