Dementia is not a new disease and many studies about it have been done globally. Most recently, a study that involved 4,164 people with an average age of 59 who took a test called the “Lifestyle for Brain Health” (LIBRA), has revealed that there are three main lifestyle habits that can increase your risk for this debilitating brain condition.
The study found people who are considered at high risk for dementia indicated a less brain-healthy lifestyle, which included smoking, high blood pressure and a poor diet. The study noted these three lifestyle habits impacted the dementia risk scores and lowered a person’s thinking skills tests, changed brain scans and had a higher risk of cognitive impairment.
It was also found that in men, the test scores were associated with poor memory function and markers of brain shrinkage.
Here are the three lifestyle habits and/or conditions that correlate with the development of demetia. For more information on what foods to eat and what foods to avoid to boost brain health, click here and here.
- High Blood Pressure
Studies show that sufferers in a critical period between the ages of 30-50 are two thirds more likely to develop the incurable brain condition.
High blood pressure poses a serious health risk by damaging and narrowing blood vessels in the brain, increasing the chances of rupture or blockage.
The largest-ever analysis on blood pressure and vascular dementia proves a healthy middle-age is a crucial time in warding off dementia later in life.
2. Smoking
Smokers have a 45 per cent higher risk of getting dementia than non-smokers, warns the World Health Organisation.
It is estimated that 14 per cent of all Alzheimer’s disease cases worldwide are potentially attributable to smoking.
Research shows that a decrease in smoking now is likely to result in a substantial decrease in the burden of dementia in the years to come.
3. Unhealthy diet
Diets high in saturated and trans fats have been shown to increase cognitive decline and the risk of developing dementia.
