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Senior Resources » 10 Proactive Choices You Can Make Today to Avoid Dementia

10 Proactive Choices You Can Make Today to Avoid Dementia

brain health and dementia

There are over 55 million people, worldwide, who are currently living with some form of dementia. Generally speaking, dementia is any one of a number of diseases that cause memory loss and the deterioration of other cognitive abilities. Although there is no cure, there are treatments available and research continues. In addition, there are some proactive choices you can make for yourself today to help lower your risk factors for developing dementia in your senior years. Here are 10 you should consider making.

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1. Have your hearing checked.

hearing illustration

Studies show that hearing loss may contribute to a swifter decline in brain health. Getting your hearing checked and then correcting any issues as soon as possible can go a long way for your overall health. And, with newer options like over-the-counter hearing aids, there are plenty of easy and affordable choices to treat a hearing deficit.

2. Correct your vision.

senior couple wearing eyeglasses

If you have visual impairments, then routinely visiting your optometrist is the simplest way to stay on top of your eye health. Of course, eyeglasses aren’t free and insurance doesn’t always cover as much as you’d probably like. But still, you want the best input into your brain so it can function as best it can. If you’re in need of prescription glasses, then try ordering them from the web. High-quality, lower-cost glasses can be found on various sites; oftentimes for half the price you’d pay at the doctor’s office!

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3. Take control of your diabetes.

glucose checker

If you’re one of the 16 million seniors who have diabetes, then listen up! Uncontrolled diabetes is a common risk factor for developing dementia. Follow your doctor’s orders, eat a proper diet, and take insulin as directed.

4. Check your blood pressure.

blood pressure monitor

Studies have shown that controlling blood pressure clearly reduces the development of dementia. You want your blood pressure at 120 over 70 or less.

5. Eat a proper diet.

lady with pink hair eating

Having a good variety of foods in your diet will help reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. In particular, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are great for brain health! Do you have a hard time cooking for yourself? Then try a meal delivery service!

6. Exercise.

exercising couple

It’s no secret that exercise is good for you. But did you know that physical activity helps your brain too? It keeps the blood flowing and increases chemicals that protect the brain.

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7. Drink less (or, not at all).

drinking water senior couple

No alcohol is best for brain health. But, if you’re going to use it, it needs to be in small quantities.  Dr. Paul Winner, of the Premiere Research Institute, says, “Remember, what do we use alcohol for in clinical practice? We use it to clean off our tables and to kill viruses and bacteria. It is a caustic substance. So, is it caustic inside us? Well, it cleans tables really well; so I’ll leave that for your own devices.”

8. Quit smoking.

quit smoking

There’s no better time to quit than now! Smoking increases the risk of vascular issues, which in turn, increases the risk of dementia (among other things).

9. Protect your head.

bike helmets

If you’re predisposed to develop toxic amyloid genetically, and you hit your head, it will accelerate that process. If you’re over the age of 40 or 50, then consider hiring someone else to climb a ladder to clean your gutters. If you enjoy riding a bike, then wear a helmet. Protect your head.

10. Get an APOE test.

holding brain

An APOE test evaluates a person’s DNA to detect the presence of the APOE4 variant, which is associated with dementia (specifically Alzheimer’s). Early detection of this variant can allow you the time to work with your doctor on more proactive health choices you can make.

Need More Dementia Resources?

To read more articles on Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, then start here:

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Originally published February 20, 2024

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