There is no cure, and it can’t be prevented. But you can reduce your risk. Many factors influence dementia, including family history and genetics. You can’t do anything about those, but experts say you can take lifestyle steps, including many things we should already be doing for good health. These include physical and mental exercise, not smoking or stopping, and managing chronic conditions that can lead to heart disease.
“All of the things that we know are good for health in general are good for preventing dementia,” said Christine E. Kistler, an associate professor in the University of Pittsburgh’s Division of geriatric medicine. “Quitting smoking at any age is good for you. Starting to exercise at any age is good for you. We need to keep our brains working and that helps keep our brains healthy.”
1 . Try a plant-based diet
Go heavy on plant-based foods. Research suggests that high vegetable intake can slow the rate of age-related cognitive decline. Another study found that eating minimally processed plant-based foods along with regular exercise, stress reduction and support groups may improve symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease in those already diagnosed.
“I tell every patient we need to stop with the ice cream, french fries and bacon,” said Paul Schulz, a professor of neurology at UTHealth Houston.
The post by WashingtonPost.com appears on South Florida Reporter.