6 ways to reduce your risk of senile dementia

1. Quit smoking

According to the Alzheimer's Federation International (ADI)., smokers are 45% more likely to develop dementia than non-smokers. The good news is that even long-term smokers who quit the habit increase their chances of a healthy aging.

2. Drink less

Reducing alcohol consumption, like smoking, reduces the risk of developing senile dementia. Ideally, you should drink no more than 1-2 glasses a day. Drinking more increases your risk of developing hypertension. Moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of stroke.

If you don’t drink, it’s better not to start. For your health.

3. Be active

Physical activity is also bearing fruit in the future. But exercises that are based on the movement of the legs are especially effective. These include Celtic dancing, tango, and cycling.

Yoga, which can help reduce stress and blood pressure, and Taijiquan exercises, which improve balance, are also helpful.

4. Eat right

The Mediterranean diet is best for fighting dementia. It includes large amounts of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, grains, along with minimal consumption of red meat and moderate consumption of wine and dairy products.

Research. prove. that older people who follow this diet keep their brains in a healthier state.

5. Get enough sleep

According to the University of California at Berkeley., people who sleep little and poorly are more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease. The reason is that they have a high concentration of beta-amyloid, a substance that is likely to provoke this ailment.

To sleep well, it’s best to turn to calming practices like yoga rather than sleeping pills.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can also improve sleep quality. Of course, caffeine, sweets, and processed foods should be avoided in the evening because they can cause insomnia.

6. Learn a new language

Learning a language forms new neural connections in the brain, that is, in general, improves its condition. Unfortunately, acquiring knowledge becomes more difficult with age. But even solving puzzles like crosswords or Sudoku can help reduce the risk of senile dementia by making the brain work and learn new words.

Those with healthy lifestyles need not worry too much. If you have a lot of bad habits, try to give up at least one. Decades later, you will be grateful to yourself for such a decision.