Doctors have named a way to keep the brain healthy and reduce the risk of dementia

Regular physical activity, blood pressure control, oral care, and maintaining social connections can reduce the risk of developing dementia or delay its onset. These conclusions were reached by doctors and researchers specializing in brain health and aging, amid an increasing number of cognitive impairments worldwide. This was reported on December 29 by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper.

According to experts, the key risk factors for dementia begin to accumulate already in middle age. David Ward, a researcher in the field of geriatric medicine at the University of Queensland, noted that it is during this period that increased blood pressure, weight gain and decreased muscle strength appear, which make the brain less resistant to age-related changes.

According to him, physical activity remains the most effective and universal tool for protecting the brain. Regular exercise helps to simultaneously affect cardiovascular, metabolic, and psychoemotional risk factors. Strength training is of particular importance: studies show that people over the age of 55 who do strength exercises at least twice a week show better memory performance and more favorable changes in the structure of the brain.

Richard Chang, a neurologist at Monash University, emphasized that a significant proportion of dementia cases are associated with cardiovascular disorders. According to the American Heart Association, the risk of developing dementia will triple in the first year after a stroke. The so-called silent strokes are also dangerous, in which the deterioration of cognitive functions occurs gradually and imperceptibly.

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Experts recommend paying special attention to blood pressure. Hypertension is often asymptomatic, but it is easy to control. Obesity, sleep apnea, and elevated cholesterol levels also have a negative effect on the brain, regardless of body weight.

Scientists call oral health a separate factor in protecting the brain. Doctor Victoria Sampson pointed out that chronic inflammation and pathogenic bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to neuroinflammation. Some microorganisms are found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

To reduce the risks, she recommends daily brushing and flossing, regular visits to the dentist, and avoiding aggressive antibacterial mouthwashes without medical indications. An additional role can be played by a diet rich in leafy greens and vegetables that support the production of nitric oxide, which is important for cognitive functions.

Lively social communication remains an equally important factor. Regular contact and participation in offline activities strengthen emotional health and create a support system, which is especially important in old age. Experts emphasize that even if all known modifiable risk factors are eliminated, dementia will not disappear completely. However, an integrated approach provides the best chance of maintaining cognitive stability and quality of life as we age.

In December, a study by the University of Sheffield and the University of Western Sydney showed that improvising to music can help improve cognitive skills in older adults. The study involved beginners who had been undergoing various types of musical training for a year. In the process of improvisation, people are asked to create a new melody, and during playback, they are asked to repeatedly play a given melody.

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