The risk of dementia can be reduced: what to do now
The Lancet International Commission has identified modifiable risk factors for dementia, including physical inactivity, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, social isolation, hearing and vision loss, depression, and traumatic brain injuries. The article lists preventive measures: regular exercise (150 minutes of moderate activity per week), blood pressure and cholesterol control, smoking cessation, limiting alcohol, head protection, social engagement, intellectual stimulation, healthy sleep, and a balanced diet. It emphasizes that there is no universal preventive measure.
The Lancet International Commission has identified modifiable risk factors for dementia that individuals can influence long before memory problems arise. These include physical inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, social isolation, hearing and vision loss, depression, and traumatic brain injuries. The article lists preventive measures: regular exercise (recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, starting with daily walks), monitoring blood pressure, glucose, and lipid profile, smoking cessation and limiting alcohol, head protection (seat belts, helmets, fall prevention for the elderly), maintaining social activity (communication, volunteering), intellectual stimulation (learning languages, reading, music, board games), healthy sleep (attention to sleep apnea), and a balanced diet emphasizing vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish, nuts, and protein while limiting salt, sugar, and processed foods. It emphasizes that there is no universal food, vitamin, or supplement that guarantees protection against Alzheimer's disease. Prevention consists of multiple factors acting over many years.