Dementia Warning: Powerful Tips To Reduce Risk

Dementia— a health condition caused due to a gradual decline of brain functioning, which is often the result of damage caused by a series of diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is often associated with old age, and those above the age of 65 are at a high risk of contracting the condition. While there hasn’t been a treatment for the debilitating condition as yet, researches prove that playing a series of games can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. A new study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, as per a recent report, discovered that senior citizens who regularly indulged in games likes bridge, chess and Monopoly were at a much lower risk than those who didn’t.

The research entailed conducting detailed data on 1,091 individuals who were tested on memory, problem-solving skills and thinking speed. These tests were conducted on senior citizens aged 70, over a period of three years, until they were 79. The results were astounding: The average IQ score of pensioners who played games regularly was one to three points higher as compared to those who didn’t. What needs to be noted is that individuals who played “non-digital” games, such as bingo, dominoes or crosswords experienced a significantly less decline in brainpower.

But, that is not all. It wasn’t solely games which made a world of difference to a certain set of individuals. Eating healthy, wholesome and balanced meals was another important aspect. What’s more, a common link was established between those who followed a Mediterranean diet and those with a lower risk of developing dementia. Mediterranean diets comprise large portions of fruits, greens, legumes, with balanced proportions of oily fish and dairy.

Furthermore, a recent study surveyed the health behaviors of over 2,000 men in Wales, and kept tabs on it for over 35 years. Turns out, six important factors— regular exercise, not smoking, moderate/ occasional alcohol intake, healthy body weight, healthy diet and. exercise— had played a significant role in reducing the risk of dementia, and a host of age-related problems. Health experts recommend working professionals and middle-aged adults to start early and take proactive measures to boost the brain’s functions in order to minimize the risk of developing Dementia.