How To Reduce Your Risk and Protect Your Brain
Lifestyle choices can protect your brain
Researchers across the world are racing towards a cure for
Alzheimer’s disease. But as prevalence rates climb, their focus has
broadened from treatment to prevention strategies. What they’ve
discovered is that it may be possible to prevent or delay the symptoms
of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias through a combination of
healthful habits. While Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 50 percent of
dementia cases, vascular dementia accounts for up to 40 percent in older
adults, and there is much you can do to prevent this type of dementia.
It’s never too early to start boosting your brain reserves,
but whatever your age, there are steps you can take to keep your brain
healthy.
The 6 pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle
The health of your brain, like the health of your body, depends on many factors.
While some factors, such as your genes, are out of your
control, many powerful lifestyle factors are within your sphere of
influence.
The six pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle are:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Mental stimulation
- Quality sleep
- Stress management
- An active social life
The more you strengthen each of the six pillars in your daily
life, the healthier and hardier your brain will be. When you lead a
brain-healthy lifestyle, your brain will stay working stronger…longer.
