Looking to Prevent Dementia? Find Something You Love

Key Takeaways

• Engaging in leisure activities you enjoy can reduce your risk of developing conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Activities that engage the brain, such as reading, writing, swimming, dancing, and volunteering, are beneficial.
• A lack of dementia specialists can lead to some healthcare professionals dismissing signs of dementia.

Introduction

Dementia is often seen as an age-related condition, something that affects our parents or grandparents as they get older. However, a recent study by researchers in Beijing found that participating in leisure activities you enjoy can actually reduce your risk of developing conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's, and vascular dementia.

The Study and Initial Steps for Prevention and Care

• The study included 38 studies involving over 200,000 participants, distinguishing between physical, cognitive, and social activities.
• Activities mentioned in the study include reading a newspaper, writing for fun, swimming, dancing, and volunteering.
• Healthcare professionals emphasize finding safe activities for patients, considering concerns like falls.
• A gradual approach to changing daily routine and habits is recommended.

What These Activities Can Look Like

• The goal is to find activities that engage the brain and challenge your cognitive abilities.
• The study found that it was difficult to separate the benefits of social, physical, and cognitive activities.
• Initial symptoms of dementia are not the end of the line, and the brain is malleable and can be improved with the right activities.

Barriers to Care

• Lack of knowledge about dementia treatments among healthcare professionals.
• Dismissive attitudes among some providers due to a lack of specialists and discomfort with the lack of knowledge.
• Societal pressure to solve problems quickly can lead to unrealistic and unsustainable lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Finding activities to reduce the chance of dementia can be challenging, but focusing on what you love and what engages your brain is important. A gradual approach to lifestyle changes is often more effective than drastic measures.