Meta Description: If you want to maintain clarity of mind and a solid memory until old age, give up these bad habits that increase the risk of dementia.

Dementia is a serious mental impairment that may occur due to several reasons. Unfortunately, we cannot influence family history and age – the main factors responsible for the development of dementia. But we have the chance to change our lifestyle and avoid all those things that can increase the risk of dementia.

Along with these, we will mention some habits that can increase the risk of dementia. Check if you have these bad habits that can change your health and life for the worse in a few decades – and get rid of them immediately.

Habits That Can Increase Risk Of Dementia

Here are some habits that increase the risk of developing dementia.

1.Eating Poorly

A balanced diet and a healthy diet are not only a guarantee of the normal functioning of the heart and blood vessels but also a good figure and a sufficient level of energy. The health of our brain directly depends on how much and what kind of nutrients we get from food every day.

The less saturated fat in your daily diet, the more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy monounsaturated fats you eat, the better it works and the stronger your natural defense gets against age-related changes.

2.Ignoring Chronic Diseases

The two main factors that seriously increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease are diabetes and hypertension, for which patients do not receive the treatment they need. If you suffer from any of these diseases, it is important to follow a diet, be as active as possible, and take the medication carefully.

And remember that this is also necessary to prevent dementia. Besides, if you have any other diseases, you still need to take care of your health to avoid any inconvenience.

3.Abusing Alcohol

Stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease – to the list of these diseases that alcohol abusers often suffer from, it is worth adding dementia. Excessive alcohol consumption causes brain cell atrophy, which leads to memory loss, severe cognitive decline, and dramatically increases the risk of dementia. Thus, if you want to avoid these problems, you need to give up alcohol addiction.

One of the best solutions for getting rid of alcohol addiction is to get treatment from a rehab center. Though there are many rehabs available, getting treatment can be expensive. But health insurances such as Amerigroup insurance coverage reduce the barriers to treatment and help you become better.

4.Smoking Cigarettes

Smokers have a 79% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who have never had this addiction. But the good news is that those who quit smoking have a lower risk of illness. Most likely, the risk of developing dementia decreases in people who have never smoked. Therefore, if you also want to avoid such a serious disease, you surely need to quit smoking cigarettes.

5.Leading A Sedentary Lifestyle

A few years ago, a sedentary lifestyle was officially recognized as more dangerous to our health than smoking. Moreover, the lack of regular physical activity literally makes us dumber. During exercise and sports, the blood gets saturated with oxygen.

This is beneficial not only for the heart and blood vessels but also for the brain. Thus, 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week is the required norm to have a healthy brain.

6. Not Burdening The Brain

Just like physical stagnation, mental inactivity is dangerous for our brain. Regular exercise is essential for the brain to help keep cells active and create new neural connections that can help fight dementia.

Learning foreign languages, solving charades and crosswords, collecting puzzles, card games – all these work well for you and your brain. So remember that though it is important not to over-stress yourself, doing new things improve your brain health.

7. Communicating Little

A group of researchers from Brigham University has found a direct link between feelings of loneliness and the accumulation of beta-amyloid, a protein in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Even if you enjoy spending time alone, make it a rule to interact with family and friends at least once a week, or at least engage in social activities. It will help to keep your brain active and would also help you make new friends.

8.Sleep A Lot Or A Little

A good night’s sleep is vital to our brain health. According to various sources, up to 15% of all cases of Alzheimer’s disease can be caused by lack of sleep – for example, due to insomnia or sleep apnea. But sleeping too long can also be dangerous.

Another study of 7,500 women found that sleeping for longer than 8-9 hours a night increased the risk of dementia by 35%. Thus, you need to keep a healthy balance when it comes to your sleep. Sleeping too much or not getting enough sleep both are equally damaging to your brain.

9.Being A Loner

Being in quarantine during this global pandemic has shown that staying alone can distract your mind and increase your feeling of isolation and sadness than usual. Staying away from others and lack of interaction with other people can also lead to confusion or dementia.

A study published in The Journals of Gerontology found that social isolation is a risk factor for reduced brain function due to the positive effects of interactions on mood and mental alertness. Try to schedule events throughout the week, meet up with people, and avoid staying alone.

Take Away

Dementia is a serious mental problem that causes loss of memory and deteriorates a person’s thinking abilities. Many people believe that it can only happen to elderly people; however, it is just a misconception.

Everyone needs to be cautious and take care of their mental health. We mentioned some of the most common habits that increase the risk of developing dementia. You need to give up these habits and avoid them so you can live a healthy life.