Struggling to remember names? Always misplacing your keys? Forgetfulness is a natural part of ageing, but occasionally it can be a sign of something more serious, such as dementia*. The condition affects almost 950,000 people in the UK, with women more at risk than men, found a report by Alzheimer's Society. And numbers are set to soar to 1.6 million by 2040.
'Many people fear dementia runs in the family, but in the vast majority of cases it's not inherited,' explains Kensa Morgan, Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK. While there's no cure yet, it's possible to delay development. 'Getting older is undeniably the biggest risk factor, however research shows that one in three cases are preventable.' Here's how to help ward off cognitive decline.
1 Look after your heart
What's good for your heart is good for your brain, says Kensa. 'We know raised cholesterol and high blood pressure damages our cardiovascular system, which in turn affects our brain.' Keeping cholesterol between 50 to 60 mg/dL can reduce the risk. People with levels higher than 80 mg/dL have a 27% increased chance of developing dementia within six years, a study by Monash University, in Australia, revealed. Not sure of your cholesterol readings? Speak to your pharmacist and ask for a finger-prick test.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother
SLASH SUGAR AND SLIM
Trying to lose weight? With these clever tweaks, you don’t have to miss out on the seasonal sweet stuff
DAWN HARPER ASK THE DOCTOR
Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions
SEX HORRORS SOLVED!
Stop physical intimacy from turning into the stuff of nightmares with our expert advice
THE TRUTH ABOUT LIFE WITH CANCER
More than 12,000 people are diagnosed with brain tumours each year in the UK. Two mums tell us how the cruel disease changed their lives forever
DAWN NEESOM MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on marriage, tea and Absolutely Fabulous!
TRAPPED INSIDE MY HOME WITH A MONSTER
Gemma Williams, 46, thought she'd die at the hands of her partner
AMANDA TO REPLACE CAT?
With increasing criticism directed at the This Morning host, are producers ready to call in a familiar face?
Get the GOSS
Your round-up of this week's biggest showbiz stories