Five simple strategies and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce the risk of dementia, according to a sweeping new 35-year study by British Researchers.
The findings, published online in the Public Library of Science journal
PLOS One and reported by
Medical News Today,
suggest that adopting the following five strategies is more effective in reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline than medical treatments or other preventative procedures.
- Getting regular exercise.
- Not smoking.
- Keeping a low bodyweight.
- Following a healthy diet.
- Having a low alcohol intake.
"What the research shows is that following a healthy lifestyle confers surprisingly large benefits to health," said lead researcher Peter Elwood of Cardiff University's School of Medicine.
The findings are based on analysis of healthy behaviors among 2,235 men aged 45-49 from 1979 to 2004, in Caerphilly, U.K. Over the course of the study, diabetes, vascular disease, cancer, and death were recorded, along with a check for cognitive state.
The results showed the individuals who followed four or five of these behaviors had a 60 percent decline in dementia and cognitive decline. There were also 70 percent fewer cases of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, compared with individuals who followed none of the behaviors.
When it came to reducing the dementia risk, the team noted that exercise was the strongest factor.
"The size of reduction in the instance of disease owing to these simple healthy steps has really amazed us and is of enormous importance in an aging population," said Elwood.
Doug Brown, M.D., director of research and development at the Alzheimer's Society, said the findings provide strong new evidence to support the mind-body connection, as it relates to physical and mental health.
"We have known for some time that what is good for your heart is also good for your head, and this study provides more evidence to show that healthy living could significantly reduce the chances of developing dementia," he said.
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