An individual’s risk of developing dementia can be reduced by making key lifestyle changes, according to new research.
Adults aged 60 and above could lessen their chances of having the condition if they make healthy choices when it comes to physical exercise, social interaction, leisure activities, sleep quality, smoking status and alcohol consumption.
‘A healthier lifestyle is associated with a significantly reduced risk of early cognitive decline’
GETTY IMAGES
They said: “A healthier lifestyle is associated with a significantly reduced risk of early cognitive decline, but lifestyle changes can’t be piecemeal.
“The most beneficial protective effect is seen when clustering multiple lifestyle factors together, showing just how powerful exercise, socialising, sleeping, and healthy consumption habits are in combination.”
The new study sought to discover to what extent an active integrated lifestyle can offset cognitive decline caused by cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs).
Examples of CMDs include heart attack, stroke, diabetes, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Lifestyle factors that could ultimately affect cognitive decline
- Physical exercise
- Social interaction
- Leisure activities
- Sleep quality
- Stop smoking
- Be mindful alcohol consumption
