Consultancy corner: Eight things you can do to prevent dementia

Around 50 million people worldwide have dementia and this number is predicted to triple by 2050. Worldwide, the commonest cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease followed by Vascular dementia and many other causes. There are of course, some reversible forms such as nutritional deficiencies and hypofunction of the thyroid gland.

The eight lifestyle factors that may reduce, or increase, an individual’s risk of developing dementia are:

The incidence of dementia has been found to be inversely proportional to the level of education of an individual. It means that by ensuring good education, dementia may be preventable and even if it does occur, the effects can be mitigated. Learning hobbies, languages and engaging in pastimes such as sudoku and crosswords are ways to help the brain stay healthy.

Exercise releases endorphins in the brain, and endorphins are what make us feel good and happy.

Staying connected socially helps one stay alert mentally. Research shows that regularly interacting with others may help lessen the risk of developing dementia. Even in people with dementia, social interaction can improve quality of life. Maintain old friendships and make new ones. Stay social through work, volunteer activities, travel, hobbies, family and friends.

Tobacco can also hurt memory: The damage smoking does to blood vessels can lead to the same kind of plaque build-up and blood flow restrictions to the brain as seen in people with heart problems.

Depression contributes to risk of dementia and will add to the degenerative process. It can muddy an already confused brain. Get a routine, eat healthy, set small goals, work out regularly and get enough sleep to overcome depression.

Diabetes changes blood vessels and alters blood flow to the brain. Keep it in control.

High blood pressure can damage blood vessels that in turn affect the flow of blood to the brain. Get your BP checked, the advice is to aim for lower high blood pressure to normal levels.

Being overweight might be a sign that a person’s dietary habits are bad.