Discover How Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Habits Can Also Shield Your Brain from Dementia, New Study Reveals

New research from Florida Atlantic University shows that lifestyle changes can help not just our heart health, but also our brain health. This is important, especially as nearly 60 million people worldwide are living with dementia—a number that could more than double by 2050.

The study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, found that almost half of the risk for dementia comes from lifestyle and environmental factors that we can change. This means dementia isn’t a guaranteed part of aging.

In this study, older adults at high risk for cognitive decline were split into two groups: one received standard care, while the other followed a structured lifestyle program. Over two years, those in the lifestyle program showed noticeable improvements in memory, attention, and decision-making.

The program included regular exercise, healthy diets like the Mediterranean and DASH styles, cognitive exercises, and social activities. Researchers suggest that exercise might boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which supports brain growth. Diet changes can also lessen oxidative stress and improve how our bodies use insulin.

Dr. Parvathi Perumareddi, a co-author of the study, emphasized that these findings give doctors effective, low-risk tools to help patients delay cognitive decline, beyond just medication.

Experts have also noted that engaging in activities like dancing, martial arts, and team sports can be especially beneficial. These activities combine physical activity with mental challenges and social interaction, stimulating brain areas linked to memory and focus.

As we look to the future, these findings highlight that simple lifestyle choices can help protect our brain health, just as they safeguard our hearts. This connection offers hope that reducing dementia risk is possible through daily decisions.

For more information on dementia and brain health, you can refer to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2022 Facts and Figures.

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Lifestyle Habits, Protect the Heart , Against Dementia