With age, not only our body changes, but also the brain: some important areas decrease, the number of neural connections decreases, blood supply worsens, and inflammatory processes increase. It is hoped that scientists will find ways to combat this, but for now it is important to take care of health and avoid those habits that make the brain age faster.
Hearing
A study conducted in 2011 by specialists of the University. Johns Hopkins (USA), revealed a direct link between hearing loss and an increased risk of dementia. Perhaps, scientists believe, this is due to the fact that hearing loss leads to social isolation, which, in turn, “triggers” the development of dementia. Anyway, it is important to regularly check your hearing and take timely measures — otherwise the risk of developing dementia may increase by 5 times.
Alcohol
In rodents who were constantly kept in a state of heavy alcohol intoxication, the production of nerve cells in the hippocampus — the area of the brain responsible for the ability to learn — decreased by 40%. The more often and more we drink, the more our memory suffers, as well as the ability to assimilate and process new information.
Heart Health
Heart and brain health are directly linked: the stronger the heart, the more actively it pumps blood, supplying it, including the brain — and the better its condition, the brain. Therefore, it is so important to monitor the health of the heart and blood vessels: as a study conducted in 2017 in the United States showed, those who suffered from diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, dementia developed significantly more often.
Sedentary lifestyle
Not so long ago, a sedentary lifestyle was included in the list of factors that increase the risk of early death. We become not only less healthy, but also less smart when we begin to give preference to the sofa and forget about the gym. Do you want to reduce the risk of dementia by 88%? Start exercising.
Relationships with loved ones
Constant communication with friends and relatives is the most effective way to prevent dementia. The older we get, the more necessary social connections become for us. Among other things, constant communication with dear people reduces stress, which is directly related to the development of dementia in old age. Those people who have retained active social ties at an older age are 44% less likely to suffer from dementia.
Anxiety and disorders
It is important to learn to relax and resist stress and anxiety as early as possible. A study, the results of which were published in 2014 in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, showed that people who often experience anxiety have a higher risk of rapid cognitive decline — up to 135%! Therefore, learn to meditate and find your own ways to cope with stress — your brain will be very grateful to you.
Do not self-medicate! In our articles we collect the latest scientific data and opinions of authoritative experts in the field of health. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.