Brain Power: How Lifestyle Choices Can Shield You From Dementia

Dementia is not an inevitable part of getting older. This is a key message from experts who study brain health. Aging is the main risk factor, but there are many other things that can be changed to lower the chances of developing dementia. Experts have identified 14 factors that can be modified to help prevent dementia. Some of these are well-known, like keeping a healthy weight, eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking. Others are less obvious, such as staying in school longer and protecting your hearing.Pollution is also a factor that can be addressed, but this requires action from policymakers. Social interaction is important too. If you have hearing loss and don't use a hearing aid, you might avoid social situations. This can be bad for your brain health. About 45 percent of dementia cases could be prevented by changing these risk factors. But it's not just up to individuals. Society needs to support these changes, just like it has with other health issues. Education is crucial, but so is having systems in place to help people make these changes. The message is clear: what's good for your heart is good for your brain. But people need support to make these changes happen.