Surprisingly, the coronavirus didn’t feature in the top 10 leading causes of death in England for September 2020. Instead dementia topped the charts for the fifth year running. How can you reduce your chances of developing the condition?
Alzheimer’s Research UK ascertain there are steps we can take to lower our risk of the brain disease.
Risk factors include high blood pressure and stroke, so it’s important to reduce the chances of this occurring or recurring.
In order to do so, it’s paramount not to smoke – at all. If you don’t smoke, then you’re setting yourself up for better health.
If you exercise everyday, you’re most likely adding years onto your lifespan.
In addition to daily exercise, you’ll need to “eat a healthy balanced diet” and “drink fewer than 14 units of alcohol per week”.
The charity confirmed: “It’s never too late to make positive changes.”
However, keeping your hearty healthy in your forties and fifties “seems to be particularly important for helping to lower your risk of dementia”.
This can include activities such as reading, crossword, singing or playing an instrument.
As well as keeping mentally sharp, social interaction can also reduce your risk of dementia.
Social isolation isn’t good for your mental health, and it’s linked to a higher risk of the brain disease.
During this second lockdown, make sure to keep in contact with loved ones – walks outside together are still permitted, as are phone calls and messages.