There are three main factors you should be concerned about when it comes to preventing dementia, suggests a new study.
Over the years, everything from the time you go to bed to the amount of alcohol you drink has been associated with memory loss, various studies have shown.
But, by analyzing data from over 20,000 adults over the age of 30, researchers found that three lifestyle factors clearly outweigh all others.
Not having a hobby, being obese, and sedentary after age 60 were the biggest predictors of dementia.
They also found that Americans living in the Southern United States were more likely to develop the condition, even after adjusting for factors like income.
So, starting to knit, taking regular walks, and monitoring your calories are the most important factors in preventing a condition that is incurable, the research said.
Peter Hudomiet, an economist who led the study, said: ‘This work provides additional evidence on actions individuals can take to pursue a lifestyle that promotes brain health throughout life.’
Scientists suggest that learning about risk factors can help people avoid mental health decline.
That’s what “Avengers” actor Chris Hemsworth, 41, decided to do after discovering he had a higher chance of developing dementia while filming a documentary.
Since then, he focuses on sleep, stress management, nutrition, and fitness in an effort to reduce his risk of developing the disease.
The research suggested that nearly 10% of adults over 65 may have dementia – representing more than 7 million people. This number is likely to increase if current trends continue – affecting about 12 million people by 2040.
Researchers did not provide justifications for why practicing hobbies and maintaining good physical fitness may keep people’s brains intact longer.
But research has shown that hobbies help people feel they have a purpose in life and help them exercise their cognition, literally working their brains.
On the physical side, regular exercise can help maintain healthy blood flow. Healthy blood flow to the brain is believed to be crucial for the long-term health of the organ, as blood provides essential nutrients for thinking, health, and memory, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
On the flip side, obese individuals often have problems with blood flow, which can lead to a higher risk of dementia. Some studies have also shown that obesity can cause chronic inflammation, which can cause long-term damage to the brain.
The research was conducted by the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit research institution based in California.
Source: Daily Mail