Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions affecting the brain. It is the loss of the ability to think, remember, and reason to levels that affect daily life and activities.
Although there isn’t an effective treatment or proven prevention for dementia, in general, leading a healthy lifestyle may help address risk factors that have been associated with it. Consider making these healthy lifestyle choices as you age:
- Control high blood pressure. Treat high blood pressure with medication and healthy lifestyle changes, such as exercising and quitting smoking.
- Manage blood sugar. Make healthy food choices, get regular exercise, stop smoking, and check glucose levels.
- Eat a healthy diet. Aim for a mix of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood, unsaturated fats such as olive oil, low-fat or nonfat dairy products, and limit other fats and sugars.
- Keep physically active. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
- Sleep well. Try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night and talk with your doctor if you are having sleep problems.
Find additional tips on healthy lifestyle choices that may help reduce your risk for dementia on the Alzheimers.gov website.
