Medical researchers have discovered that a change in lifestyle could possibly delay the onset of Dementia or slow the progression of the degenerative disease. They have determined that by simply keeping the mind active by way of cognitive training, maintaining a healthy range of blood pressure and making the body active through physical exercise will have a benefit on the brain.
As one gets older, his risk of developing the dreaded condition also increases. According to NHS, dementia is linked to problems in language and comprehension with Memory Loss, mental agility, and speed in thinking.
People affected are usually over the age of 65 years old.
Measures that might delay mild mental decline
The United States National Institute on Aging has asked Alan Leshner, chair of National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to look into the possible factors and contributors of what could delay or trigger Alzheimer’s-like dementia. In response, Leshner’s group said that maintaining a healthy blood pressure and keeping a routine of physical exercise can possibly delay the onset of dementia. It is a common knowledge that getting physical activity has many health benefits including prevention of stroke, which is also related to brain health.
Leshner said that though their findings have yet to be scientifically proven, the general public must have the access to their research.
Speaking to CBS News, he said that there are few domains in the study wherein the evidence that already exists suggests that they might have an effect.
Specialists find the group’s findings encouraging
Experts in the field of dementia find hope in the results of Leshner’s research though they are not yet definitive. If the link is established, people who are at risk can maintain and control their blood pressure through medication maintenance.
Some can also engage in some form of physical exercise to reduce the risk of Cognitive Decline.
Keith Fargo, Alzheimer’s Association director of scientific program and outreach, said that people should not feel hopeless at all. They may feel worried about their mental health, but they can control and do something about it like exercise and cognitive training.
However, Sam Gandy, the director of the Center for Cognitive Health at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, believes that though physical exercise may have a positive effect on the development of dementia, genetic composition still plays a significant role.
