More than 25 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, and health experts expect this number to reach 153 million by 2050.
In this context, a new report published by the British newspaper “The Telegraph” revealed a number of daily habits to improve brain health and prevent dementia, namely:
Get enough sleep
Researchers at University College London found that people who sleep six to eight hours per night, on average, perform better on tests of cognitive performance, and this helps significantly in preventing dementia as they age.
The short nap
A number of studies have revealed that getting a short nap of no more than 30 minutes per day can help maintain brain health in old age, especially for people who struggle to get the optimal amount of sleep each night.
Health experts note that this short nap helps rejuvenate the brain without disrupting the normal sleep cycle.
Stay away from ultra-processed foods
A new study found that men and women with the highest consumption of ultra-processed foods showed a 28 percent faster rate of global cognitive decline, and a 25 percent faster decline in executive function in the brain than the control group.
Among the most prominent ultra-processed foods are soda, potato chips, hot dogs, donuts, burgers, white bread, pizza, and more.
Some daily habits may help prevent dementia (Reuters)
Playing sports
Health experts confirm that any form of regular exercise is one of the best ways to stave off cognitive decline.
And while brain volume naturally decreases at a rate of about 5 percent after the age of 50, research has shown that this shrinkage slows in those who get regular aerobic exercise. This includes any physical activity that gets blood pumping to the heart, such as brisk walking, running, swimming and cycling.
But it’s not just about running. Working on increasing your muscle mass in the gym is actually more important as you age, and not just because it prevents weakness and falls. Research from the University of California has shown that having higher levels of lean muscle has a protective effect against Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Go out with friends and acquaintances
A recent study conducted at Johns Hopkins University found that socially isolated seniors had a 27 percent higher chance of developing dementia than their social peers.
Drinking coffee
A number of studies have shown that drinking two to three cups of coffee per day reduces the risk of stroke or dementia.
Do housework
A recent Canadian study found that doing housework can help prevent dementia by increasing brain volume.
2023-07-13 17:59:00
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