Habits to Improve Bain Health and Slow Dementia

It seems that way too many people have dementia. According to the CDC, 11% of people older than 65 have dementia.  That’s 1 in 9 people.

Some people experience that their mother and two siblings are afflicted with this widespread disease. What could be more personal than that?

Happily, the seven other siblings have no signs of cognitive loss.

Many are, therefore, caring for loved ones while also practicing prevention.

What can a soul do for loved ones? And what are the best practices to prevent contracting dementia?

Caring for others

According to the CDC, keep daily schedules consistent, reduce confusion, and help the person feel secure.

Avoid correction: Do not argue with or correct the person with orientation or memory lapses; instead, offer comfort and reassurance.

Consult professionals to discuss new behavioral or psychological changes. According to a pharmacist, a new medicine named Nameda (memantine) promises to keep patients at their current level for five years before undergoing further cognitive decline. Ask for this treatment because it is not experimental.

Use the training, such as the CDC-supported Dementia Dialogue course.

Ways to Reduce Dementia Risk

Stay active with several 20-minute sessions a week.  Manage diabetes, control blood pressure, treat hearing loss vigorously, stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, and limit alcohol to protect your brain from toxic damage.

Get serious about avoiding ultra-processed foods and added sugar.  They are the most damaging items to your brain.

Avoid dehydration, get some sleep, research diet, and eat right.

Leading neurologists explain that the brain is 75% water. But even a 2% reduction in water causes dehydration and brain fog in people of any age.   

Doctors call for strategic drinking with at least 12 ounces of water on rising long before breakfast. Plan subsequent drinks throughout the day, not waiting until you feel thirsty.  After age 60, your thirst mechanism no longer works efficiently. That’s why when you offer some seniors a drink of water, you are met with a debate in place of gratitude.

One cardiologist said that after age 60, water is no longer adequate.  Add beet water, hibiscus tea, and unsweetened green tea to your program.

A professor asked second-year medical students, What is the primary cause of dementia? No one said a word.

Finally, the professor said dehydration.  We can do many things to reduce the risk of dementia.  Why overlook a major factor?