Dementia is a disease associated with the ongoing decline of the brain.
Around 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, and numbers are increasing.
The Alzheimer’s Society predicts the number of people with dementia will rise to around one million by 2025.
While there’s no way to completely prevent dementia from occurring, there are ways you can help reduce the risk of developing the disease by keeping healthy.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, keeping physically, mentally and socially active will help maintain memory, skills and self-confidence as you age.
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Physical health
In order to keep physically healthy, eat regular, balanced meals including five portions of fruit and veg, and try to drink lots of water every day.
Don’t smoke and drink alcohol in moderation.
Try to exercise five days a week, for minutes at a time. This can include brisk walking, swimming, cycling and gardening.
Mental health
Keep your brain active by reading, keeping a diary, doing puzzles or quizzes, playing cards or board games.
You could also consider taking up a new hobby to help exercise your mind.
Relax and reduce stress
If you feel stressed, talk to someone about your problems and concerns; they may be able to help.
Try exercises and techniques to help you relax, such as breathing exercises or listening to relaxing music.
Stay socially active
Keep seeing friends and family and try to get out and about as much as you can.
If you already have dementia, find out if there is a local dementia cafe or memory cafe you can attend.
Sleep
Try to get enough sleep each night as this is essential to good physical and mental health.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, sleeping helps store new memories in the brain and can help with cognitive problems, such as thinking and problem-solving.
“Problems can seem worse if you are stressed, worried or ill. If you can keep physically, mentally and socially active it will help you maintain memory, skills and self-confidence,” said the Alzheimer’s Society.