With no dementia cure, it can be daunting to get a brain scan to test for signs. But research shows 9 years can elapse between its showing on imaging and symptoms starting – giving time to form defensive habits.
Women may be at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s than men for a number of reasons: biological, societal or cultural. Experts suggest exercise and social engagement can help offset the risk.
We can reduce our dementia risk by adopting simple lifestyle practises, say experts Sanjay Gupta and Marc Milstein. Exercise, eating well, drinking less, reading more and trying new things help keep the brain sharp.
Research suggests that people who have stayed married for a long time have a lower risk for dementia – they feel less lonely, are more likely to eat well and exercise more, and are more cognitively engaged.
Hearing loss has been linked to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline, but is preventable with hearing aids, say experts, who recommend testing for a problem which may otherwise go unnoticed.
The new ‘Think Brain Health Check-in’ online tool from Alzheimer’s Research UK doesn’t test your memory but checks how well you’re looking after your brain and gives tips to help prevent dementia.
Taking common drugs, including antidepressants, antihistamines and sleeping pills, for as little as 60 days can affect memory, cognitive ability and spatial awareness by disrupting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
‘Cognitive reserve’ refers to how many neurons our brains build and retain. This reserve – made stronger by mental stimulation derived from a variety of activities – reduces the effects of damage from dementia.
A healthy diet is good for our brains, not just our bodies, and research has found 5 nutrients that are particularly important to preventing or delaying dementia. Experts explain how they aid brain health.
Your eyesight can affect your mental health, according to a recent study, which found a link between vision problems and increased risk of dementia. Experts advise getting your eyes checked regularly.
People who sat for 10 hours a day or more greatly elevated their dementia risk, a study finds. An expert explains the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, and how even light aerobic exercise can help.
A stroke increases the short-term risk of dementia, which is no surprise, but new research shows the increased risk can last for 20 years after a stroke, even after recovering some abilities post-stroke.
Changes in gait – particularly difficulty walking a curved path – may be an early sign of dementia, an expert says; families should be on the lookout to help protect a sufferer’s safety and quality of life.
We all forget things at times, and as we age, our recall becomes less powerful. This is not the same thing as forgetfulness due to dementia, say experts, who offer tips to keep your memory sharper.
Do you need another reason to quit smoking? Habitual smoking shrinks your brain, increasing the risk of dementia. The good news is that giving up smoking, even aged 60, substantially reduces the risk.