A growing number of people in the UK are suffering from dementia. According to statistics, there are 850,000 people with dementia in the country, and the numbers are expected to rise to over one million by 2025. This terminal condition is now the most common cause of death among women in the UK. Scientists have yet to find a cure for this cognitive disorder, but the good news is that there are things that you can do to prevent dementia or lessen the risks of having it. Some of these activities won’t only prevent you from developing dementia, but doing them can even change up your daily routine and enrich your life.
Risk factors for dementia
There are factors that can increase the risk of dementia, and a majority of them are preventable. Experts say that being overweight which increases your blood pressure can lead to dementia. Lack of exercise can also contribute to this cognitive disorder, as well as smoking tobacco, and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Living a healthy lifestyle, taking care of your well-being, and doing certain activities can help to keep your brain function healthy even in your golden years. Here are some fun things you can do to prevent dementia.
Dance
Now you’ve got a good reason to wear your dancing shoes. According to a new research, dancing regularly has been found to counteract age-related brain decline. Dance along to your favourite tunes at home, or better yet, find out if your local community centre is offering adult dance classes and sign up.
Exercise
Just 30 minutes of physical activity every week can reduce the risk of dementia. Try doing a form of exercise that you enjoy, after all, the more you enjoy it, the more you’ll look forward to doing it every day. Try going for a walk around your neighbourhood, swimming, or do yoga.
Make time for your friends and family
Spending time with your loved ones can keep your brain healthy as socially engaging with people promotes intellectual stimulation as you use different parts of your brain to interact. You can invite your loved ones over to your home for a nice cup of tea, or if the weather’s nice, you can have a picnic in the park. You can also make new friends by forming a book club or joining an arts and crafts club in your neighbourhood.
Try any of these activities to shake up your daily routine and prevent dementia. Not only will you keep your brain active and healthy, but you’ll also enjoy doing these activities and look forward to doing them every day.