Dementia Prevention: Stimulating Your Brain
Several studies also have suggested that people can lower their risk of developing
Alzheimer's disease and other forms of
dementia if they engage in intellectually stimulating activities, such as:
- Social interactions
- Chess
- Crossword puzzles
- Playing a musical instrument.
Scientists believe mental activities may stimulate the brain in a way that increases the person's "cognitive reserve," which is the ability to cope with or compensate for the pathologic changes associated with dementia.
Researchers are also studying other steps people can take that may help
prevent Alzheimer's disease and other
causes of dementia. So far, none of these factors has been definitively proven to make a difference in the risk of developing the disease. Moreover, most of the studies addressed only
Alzheimer's disease, and the results may or may not apply to other forms of dementia. Nevertheless,
dementia research scientists are encouraged by the results of these early studies and many believe it will eventually become possible to prevent some forms of dementia.
Final Thoughts on Dementia Prevention
As with anything in life, there are no guarantees. You could do all the right things and still develop dementia, because there are so many factors involved. But whether you are healthy or are at high risk for dementia, the advice to protect your brain is the same: Know your risk factors for dementia, monitor your health, make necessary lifestyle changes, and stimulate your brain.
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