According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing every day activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. Eventually, the disease will prevent one from carrying out the simplest of daily tasks. While Alzheimer’s disease cannot be prevented, slowed, or cured, there are things you can do to live an overall brain-healthy lifestyle. Adopt these practices early and continue them throughout your life to help reduce your risk of cognitive decline as you age. 

The Alzheimer’s Association offers 10 ways to love your brain and reduce the risk of dementia:

1. Break a sweat. Get at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. 

2. Hit the books. Take a class online or in your community. 

3. Butt out. Quit smoking now, as this increases your risk for many health conditions including cognitive decline. 

4. Follow your heart. Risk factors for heart disease also increase your risk for cognitive decline. A heart-healthy lifestyle is also good for your brain. 

5. Heads up! Wear a helmet, use your seatbelt, and prevent falls. Protecting your head can help reduce your risk of cognitive decline. 

6. Fuel up right with a healthy and balanced diet.

7. Catch some Zzz’s. A lack of sleep contributes to memory loss and thinking ability. Try to get 9 hours per night. 

8. Take care of your mental health. Depression could be linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline. 

9. Buddy up. Strong social connections throughout life may support better brain health. Enjoy time with friends, volunteer, engage in hobbies, and be part of your community. 

10. Stump yourself. Challenge your brain with card games, puzzles, learning a new skill — these have brain-boosting benefits.

Here is a bonus #11. Treat hearing loss early and wear your hearing aids! Research has found a correlation between the severity of someone’s hearing loss and their risk of developing dementia. 

Among individuals with hearing loss that was rated as moderate to severe, the incidence of dementia was 61% higher than in those with good hearing. Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins conducted studies around hearing loss. “Brain scans show us that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain,” Lin says. “Hearing loss also contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be with people as much, and when you are you may not engage in conversation as much. These factors may contribute to dementia.”

Monique Koerner is the family and community wellness agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. One may reach her at 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.