Aids in my efforts to keep my brain in good shape

 

https://www.positive.news/lifestyle/how-to-redice-dementia-risk/

Reducing dementia risk

(Did you notice the spelling error in the accurate link above?)

Excerpt from that article:

Eating a healthy diet was found to have the strongest effect, and was defined as sticking to the recommended daily intake of at least seven out of 12 food groups, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts.

Cognitive activity such as playing cards, doing crosswords or reading at least twice a week was the second most impactful behaviour. Regular exercise was close behind, defined as 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity, every week. Socialising twice a week, by visiting friends and family or attending meetings, also made it onto the list, as did never having smoked or being an ex-smoker, and drinking no alcohol.

Interestingly, the results held true even for participants who were identified as genetically susceptible to memory loss due to having a key Alzheimer’s risk gene (called AP0E4)

They found that people with four to six healthy lifestyle habits were 90 per cent less likely to develop dementia than those who had zero or one. People with two to three were 30 per cent less likely.

Dr Susan Mitchell, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “While our genetics play an important part in the health of our brains as we age, this research found a link between healthy lifestyle and slower cognitive decline even in participants with a key risk gene.

“Too few of us know that there are steps we can all take to reduce our chances of dementia in later life. Factors across our lifespan can influence the health of our brains so it’s never too early or too late to think about adopting healthy habits.”