The 8 Worst Everyday Habits That Could Give You Dementia

The 8 Worst Everyday Habits That Could Give You Dementia

Losing your memory can affect your daily life, relationships, and happiness. It's a scary thing, but it's also avoidable. These eight habits are linked to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Who doesn't want to live longer? Aging gracefully is a blessing, but sometimes you may find it harder to remember things. While dementia can diminish your quality of life to the point where it wouldn't be enjoyable even if you lived over a hundred years anyway, while dementia could have a lot to do with your genes, some sneaky habits can quickly push you towards it.

This article discusses everyday habits that can increase your risk of dementia in this article. How important is working out? Should you have a glass of wine at dinner every day? Let's discuss this and more. 

 

1. Lack of mental exercise

The way you live can have a significant impact on your brain health without relying on advanced medicine. You can head in the opposite direction of dementia with simple lifestyle modifications. Around 55 million people have dementia worldwide, which is expected to rise to 139 million by 2050. Therefore, scientists believe there's not much you can do when you start showing signs of dementia. 

The only way out is prevention. Keeping your brain active can help change these statistics. Games are not just for children; they can direct your brain into rational thinking. Engage in puzzles, crosswords, and mind games—Time yourself when you solve Rubik's. Stay updated with current events by reading magazines and newspapers. Stretch your brain and try to solve that sudoku. I'm sure your brain will spark up.

 

2. A lousy diet

When your memory fails, you lose everything. Dementia can also interfere with your decision-making, thinking, and social abilities. Your cognitive function can take everything for a ride and leave you confused, moody, personality change, and even agitation. 

A well-balanced diet, especially one rich in vitamin b12, can help you stay mentally clear. Mediterranean and Dash diets have also been linked to a healthy brain. It doesn't matter if you're a vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian; try to sneak in vitamin B12 as much as possible in your diet. 

There's something for everyone. You can enjoy beef, chicken, fish, and fortified cereals. You can even try supplements if you're unsure if your needs are being met, but eating meat can be a double-edged sword: too much can be toxic, and too much bacon is also wrong. Grease is loaded with bad fats, similar to those found in cookies.

 

3. Insufficiency of sleep

When was the last time you clocked in eight to nine hours of sleep and woke up feeling refreshed? A single night of poor sleep can increase your risk of dementia. 

Just as your body has its cleansing system and throws out toxins via kidneys, lungs, skin, etc., the brain also has its cleansing unit. Dementia-related proteins spike up immediately and enter your bloodstream from the brain. They can also be found in a specialized fluid called the cerebrospinal fluid in your vertebral column. 

Put your body into the habit of stress-free sleep. It can kick off only when you're in a deep sleep and cleaning the dementia-related proteins. Once you reach 80, the number of hours you sleep declines, so try getting into a deep sleep routine right from your mid-life.

 

4. Leading a sedentary lifestyle

If you're one of those people who won't run until they're being chased, you might develop a higher risk of dementia. It may start with simple things like forgetting where you put your keys and advancing to a degree where you no longer recognize your loved ones. The volume of the brain shrinks with dementia, and the grey cells start to shrink. Exercising is practically significant for every organ in your body. It's good for your heart health and can control blood pressure, make you ache, and improve the quality of your bones. 

You can do aerobics or simple activities like jumping, dancing, jogging, and swimming. Working out or even walking a few times a week can reduce your chances of dementia, so join that spinning class. It has a great load-bearing capacity and puts you in a great mood. Resistance training can also be a fun-filled activity with all those weights.

 

5. If you have had a brain injury in the past,

If there have been any previous head injuries, Get your house refurnished and remove sharp corners by pasting corner guards and using rubber mats in bathrooms. Always wear a seat belt while you travel or a helmet where appropriate. 

The more brain injuries, the greater the risk of cognitive decline, and dementia doesn't matter. If it was a head injury from when you were younger, the chances of developing dementia could not be denied, even after 30 to 40 years. Simple tips like taking one step at a time while climbing stairs and using a stick to walk if you feel less confident can prevent injuries.

 

6. You're drinking too much alcohol.

Are you heading out for a cocktail party? Just hear us out before going all out on that booze. Heavy drinking can be dangerous for your brain. It shrinks the size of your brain cells and causes early memory loss. Even if you're not addicted, this is probably the most under-recognized factor causing dementia. 

The limit is one or two drinks per day, whether you. The idea that occasional drinking can bring good to your body is a topic of debate, but excessive drinking is a health hazard. It can also give you many syndromes and diseases, not to mention the toxic effects on the liver. I'm not drinking one day, but having five or six drinks on the weekend isn't good either.

 

7. You're socially isolated.

Humans are social animals, and being with their people can put you in a better mood. Some socially engaging activities can also support brain health. Keep a lookout for activities that might interest you in your area. Volunteering at a shelter or joining a choir can give you a breath of fresh air. Take up that hobby you've been planning for years. 

The quarantine during the pandemic has drained everybody mentally. It made us go back into a small shell with limited exposure to the outside world. Loneliness can tick off dementia studies. A study showed that social isolation was a significant risk factor for dementia. Aim to meet all your loved ones, family, and friends. Try having at least one meal with someone each day.

 

8. If you're not visiting a doctor or taking care of yourself

There's a lot to know about dementia, and we don't have it totally figured out yet, but one proactive way you can stay ahead of it is by going to your doctor when you need to and staying up with all your medication and health needs. 

Your brain might be at risk. A healthy brain loves a healthy body, but if your body is sick, your brain will show some signs of illness. Your brain might be at risk if you're suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or heart disorders. It's never too late to start taking care of yourself. Healthy food can double as medicine, even with Alzheimer's.

 

Conclusion

Around 55 million people have dementia worldwide, which is expected to rise to 139 million by 2050. You can head in the opposite direction of dementia with simple lifestyle modifications. Dementia-related proteins spike up immediately and enter your bloodstream from the brain. Once you cross the age of 80, the number of hours that you sleep declines. Exercising is excellent for every organ in your body - it's good for your heart and can be.

Controlling blood pressure can make you ache. Your brain might be at risk if you're suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or heart disorders. Aim to meet all your loved ones, family, and friends. Take up that hobby you've been planning for years. Try having at least one meal with someone each day.

Logan Archer

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