Dementia is the name given to a group of symptoms linked to an ongoing decline in brain function. The most common type of dementia in the UK is Alzheimer’s disease. It can lead to a number of problems, including memory loss, difficulty understanding language, mood changes, and difficulty with movement. But you could lower your risk of developing dementia in later life by doing plenty of exercise, said the NHS. The best way to avoid developing dementia symptoms is to do your recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.
Doing regular exercise could lower your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity – all of which are risk factors for dementia.
It’s recommended that everyone does 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week.
The best examples of aerobic activities include walking, cycling, swimming or dancing, it added.
“There’s no certain way to prevent all types of dementia – researchers are still investigating how the disease develops,” said the NHS.
“However, there’s good evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing dementia when you’re older.
“A lack of regular physical activity can increase your risk of heart disease, becoming overweight or obese, and type 2 diabetes – all of which are risk factors for dementia.
“Older adults who don’t exercise are also more likely to have problems with memory or thinking [known as cognitive abilities].
“Follow the recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling or dancing.”
Everyone should also aim to do strengthening exercises twice a week. That could include gardening or yoga.
It’s also crucial that everyone aims to spend less time sitting down, it added.
Try getting up and walking around more regularly.
An easy way to do that is to take the stairs instead of an escalator, or make phone calls while standing up.
There are around 850,000 people in the UK withe dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
All dementia patients have different symptoms, and everyone will experience those symptoms in a different way.
Some of the more common early warning signs of dementia include memory loss, difficulty concentrating and finding it hard to carry out everyday tasks.
As the condition develops, it may lead to communications problems, incontinence, mobility problems, and weight loss.
One in 14 people over 65 years old will develop dementia at some point in their life, while one in six over-80s will have dementia.