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People should act early to lower their risk of preventable dementia (stock photo) (Image: Getty)
Dementia is a condition that millions of Brits will have faced in their lives – either through someone they love or going through it themselves. Many could help to limit their chances of developing the symptoms of dementia with a few lifestyle changes, according to a TV doctor.
ITV regular Dr Amir Khan claims that there is “a lot we can all do” to reduce the risk of developing dementia. His suggestions come from a major review of studies that investigated the impact of dementia and certain lifestyle and health choices.
He said: “There was a big 2024 Lancet review looking at all the things we can do to reduce our risk of dementia or delay it. By about 45% you can reduce your risk, which is huge.”
The practising GP claims that, just because these studies found a link between certain habits and dementia, it does not mean that every case is preventable. He adds that factors that are just part of life, such as age and genetics, also play a role.
But, he said that “dementia is not an inevitable part of getting older”. There are some habits that most people could do to slash their risk for the future.
Exercise:
Dr Khan said: “Physical inactivity is one of those recognised risk factors. We know that regular exercise helps your cardiovascular system, blood vessels, and metabolic health. all of which matter to your brain.”
He claims that the NHS-backed target of “about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week” could make a world of difference to your overall health, including the risk of developing dementia. It does not have to be anything intense – and sometimes people could clock up those 2.5 hours without realising through things like brisk walking or dancing
Focus on your heart:
Although dementia is commonly linked to the brain (through damaged or lost nerve cells), studies have found that focusing on another organ, much further south, could have lasting health benefits that could prevent people from deteriorating. Dr Khan said: “Look after your heart because what’s good for your heart is generally what’s good for your brain.”
People in their forties and beyond were reminded to consider just how much their heart has to risk. From high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes to name a few – each condition becomes its own risk factor.
Keep an eye on your ears:
Another body part that most would not link to dementia, but it can be a red flag if something starts to go wrong with your hearing. Dr Khan claims that ” lots of people don’t think about it”, but studies have linked hearing loss, particularly in midlife, as one of the recognised potential risk factors for dementia.
He said: “There are probably several reasons this happens, including the extra work your brain has to do to process sound and the fact that hearing loss can lead to people becoming socially isolated. Protect your ears from excessive noise and, if you notice that your hearing has deteriorated, go and get it checked – don’t just put up with it.”
Engage your brain often
As the common saying goes, if you don’t use it – you lose it. Dr Khan claims some of the studies included in this review found that ” using your brain” and ” seeing people” fought off some lesser-known lifestyle risks of dementia.
He said: “Social isolation itself is associated with an increased risk of dementia. There is evidence that people who remain mentally and socially active throughout life have lower rates of dementia.
I would say read books regularly, handwrite regularly, learn something new regularly, take up a hobby, volunteer, join a group.” Something as simple as just seeing your friends for a coffee or drinks can “absolutely count” as looking after your brain.
Protect your head
The ITV regular said: “Wear a helmet when you’re cycling, take concussions seriously and particularly as we get older, maintaining muscle strength and balance can help prevent falls and head injuries.”
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A doctor explained how correcting a common health problem can reduce risk of dementia (stock image) (Image: Getty)
According to an ageing specialist, people can slash their risk of developing dementia by half by addressing one seemingly unrelated health issue that many would not typically associate with brain health. Dementia is a progressive condition that impairs brain function, leading to a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory and reasoning, as well as speech and emotional regulation over time.
In the UK, an estimated 944,000 people are believed to be living with dementia, as it affects roughly 1 in 11 people over the age of 65. This number is expected to grow to 1.4 million people by the year 2040 as the population ages
Health professionals have long provided evidence-based guidance on the various ways individuals can lower their chances of developing dementia, including adopting healthy lifestyle habits that protect both heart and brain.
Now, one ageing expert, Dr Steph, a physician specialising in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, has revealed yet another method of reducing dementia risk — and it centres on your hearing.
In a video shared on TikTok, she said: “It’s just a reminder that the number one modifiable thing that you can do to prevent dementia is the correction of hearing loss.”
She went on to explain: “So if you have any hearing loss and you wear hearing aids, you will cut your risk of dementia by almost half.”
How does hearing loss affect your risk of dementia?
Untreated hearing loss substantially heightens the likelihood of developing dementia, with the risk increasing in line with the severity of the hearing impairment, according to Alzheimer’s Society. It has also been linked to a decline in memory and cognitive abilities.
This is because when those listening areas of the brain fall out of use, they may begin to deteriorate. Furthermore, the considerable mental effort required to process sound can ultimately exhaust the brain.
Hearing loss is also associated with social isolation and depression, which are themselves independent risk factors for dementia, Dr Steph noted in the caption of her post.
She also referenced a clinical trial by ACHIEVE (Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders), which discovered that wearing hearing aids reduced the rate of cognitive decline by 48% over a three-year period amongst older adults at greater risk of cognitive deterioration.
Nevertheless, the Alzheimer’s Society emphasised that while the connection between hearing loss and dementia remains incompletely understood, it does not necessarily mean that someone with hearing loss will go on to develop dementia – simply that their risk is elevated.
What are the signs of dementia?
According to the NHS, common early indicators of dementia include short-term memory loss, difficulty managing everyday tasks, and changes in communication or mood. These symptoms are frequently mild and may deteriorate only very slowly.
It is often referred to as “mild cognitive impairment” (MCI) as the symptoms are not serious enough to be diagnosed as dementia.
If you are concerned about any symptoms, or believe you or someone close to you has dementia, it is advised to contact your GP to arrange an appointment.
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