Dementia and cognitive decline are often associated with ageing, but it’s not just the elderly who are at risk.
In fact, research suggests that around 40 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented by adopting certain lifestyle changes. That’s according to a recent study, which has pinpointed four habits that could increase your chances of developing dementia later in life.
The groundbreaking research, published in the Nature Communications journal, identified smoking as the most harmful habit for cognitive health. The study also found that heavy drinking, lack of exercise, and limited social contact significantly increase the risk of the debilitating neurological disease.
The study, conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL), followed over 32,000 adults aged between 50 and 104 across 14 countries for up to 15 years. The team examined 16 different lifestyle combinations to determine the impact of smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and social contact on cognitive decline.
The results showed that non-smokers consistently experienced slower rates of cognitive decline compared to smokers, regardless of other lifestyle factors. This suggests that quitting smoking or never starting could be the most crucial step in preserving brain function as we age, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Dr Mikaela Bloomberg of UCL has shed light on the significance of ditching cigarettes for cognitive health, stating: “Our findings suggest that among the healthy behaviours we examined, not smoking may be among the most important in terms of maintaining cognitive function.
“For people who aren’t able to stop smoking, our results suggest that engaging in other healthy behaviours such as regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and being socially active may help offset adverse cognitive effects associated with smoking.”
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The study grouped participants into various lifestyle categories based on their smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency, and social engagement levels. Cognitive abilities were assessed using a memory test and a verbal fluency test, which were administered repeatedly over time to monitor changes in brain function.
The research revealed that smokers who also drank heavily, exercised infrequently, and had limited social interactions experienced the most rapid cognitive decline.
However, even smokers who adhered to all other recommended healthy behaviours still faced a quicker deterioration in cognitive function compared to non-smokers. In contrast, among non-smokers, the impact of other lifestyle choices on brain health was far less pronounced.
To reduce dementia risk, the NHS advises the following:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Keeping alcohol within recommended limits
- Stopping smoking
- Keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level
- Regular social contact.
Early signs of dementia can include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
- Being confused about time and place
- Mood changes.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of dementia, it’s crucial to seek medical advice.
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Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
