Alzheimers New Zealand

Reducing your chances

At present, there is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer's disease, but there are lifestyle changes you can employ to help prevent dementia.  You can make these changes at any age.

Your brain is like any other part of your body – use it or lose it. Play Sudoku, Bridge, Scrabble, do crosswords, word puzzles and other kinds of “brain games” to ensure your brain is active.

Exercise your body

Fifteen minutes of aerobic or resistance exercise per day, as well as flexibility and balancing exercises will keep your body healthy, which has a direct impact on the health of your brain. University of Melbourne research found recently that physical activity showed an improvement in cognitive function in participants.

Maintain a healthy diet

Eat five servings of fruit and vegetables per day and reduce saturated fats.  Omegas three and six, found in fish, are also good for the brain. Recent research from the University of California suggests eating turmeric, an orange spice found in some curries, can prevent the onset of dementia.

Research in UK journal Alcohol and Alcoholism claims heavy drinking could be responsible for as many as one in four cases of dementia. 

People living with a spouse or partner in midlife are fifty percent less likely to develop dementia than those living alone, according to recent Swedish researchers. But that doesn’t mean marriage or partnership is the answer!  Visit friends and family/whānau, volunteer, get involved in community activities and use social networking websites to keep socially active.