LATEST REVIEW
These risks were identified by a recent major review of the latest evidence by leading dementia experts from around the globe, including the UK.
1 Keep blood pressure low
Hypertension affects memory, and having it in midlife can raise your dementia risk in later life. ‘Researchers believe an increase in blood pressure hastens the hardening of arteries, which reduces blood to the brain,’ explains Dr Sarah Brewer, author of Overcoming High Blood Pressure. Hypertension is usually symptomless, so get yours checked at least once a year. ‘If the reading is 140/90 mmHg or higher, ask your doctor for advice on managing it,’ advises Dr Brewer.
2 Don’t drink too much
Alcohol causes chemical changes in your brain, and too much increases your risk of developing dementia and alcohol-related brain damage, as well as high blood pressure and depression – both of which are known to raise your risk of dementia. Don’t drink more than 14 units a week and have at least three alcohol-free days. For help cutting back, visit drinkaware.co.uk
3 Don’t smoke
Smoking increases the amount of hazardous particles in the air – a known dementia risk. It also speeds up the ageing of your brain and harms blood vessels. Don’t be put off quitting if you’ve smoked for years. ‘It’s never too early and it’s never too late to think about reducing your [dementia] risk,’ says psychiatrist Professor David Ames from the University of Melbourne, one of the review’s authors.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 27, 2021-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 27, 2021-Ausgabe von WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest