Dementia is defined as a chronic disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury. This disorder is marked by memory disorders, personality changes and impaired reasoning. The number of cases of dementia are on the rise worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that some 55 million people currently have dementia, and the number is set to rise to 139 million by 2050.
What are some of the risk factors for dementia?
- Age. The risk rises as you age, especially after 65.
- Family history. Having a family history of dementia puts you at higher risk.
- Sex. Females are more likely to develop than males.
- Diet and exercise. Research shows lack of diet and exercise increase the risk of dementia.
- Excessive alcohol use. Several large studies and reviews found that alcohol use disorders were linked to and increased risk of dementia, particularly early-onset dementia.
- Cardiovascular risk factors. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, atherosclerosis and obesity.
- Depression. Late-life depression might indicate the development of dementia.
- Diabetes. Having diabetes may increase your risk, especially if poorly controlled.
- Smoking. Smoking may increase your risk of developing dementia.
How to reduce your risk for dementia?
The good news is, we can control some of these risk factors. Abstaining from alcohol and smoking, controlling our diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol and exercising regularly will decrease your risk for dementia.
WALKING!
A recent study in JAMA Neurology show that simply increasing your walking every day will decrease your risk for dementia quite significantly.
According to a study recently published in JAMA Neurology, simply increasing the number of steps a person takes each day can decrease their dementia risk by as much as 50%. The study used data from the UK Biobank. The 78,430 participants, of whom 44.7% were male and 55.3% female, had a mean age of 61.1 years. All participants were free of cardiovascular disease and dementia when they enrolled in the study. Researchers followed up with participants after a median of 6.9 years (6.4–7.5 years) using an accelerometer on their wrist 24 hours a day. 7 days a week to determine activity level.
Results:
- In good news for those who struggle to fit exercise into their daily routine, the study showed that walking around 4,000 steps a day may reduce dementia risk by 25%.
- Walking 10,000 could halve a person’s risk of developing dementia.
The moral of the story is GET MOVING! Exercise and daily activity are key factors in reducing your risk for dementia!
There are other great benefits to starting a walking program! Check out this article regarding the health benefits of walking!