Seniors doing exercises

Healthy Lifestyle Decreases Dementia Risk

Angie SzumlinskiStudies

As caregivers for frail elders, we see the devastating progression of dementia on a daily basis. What if we could do something to impact the risk for developing this dreaded disease? A recent study conducted by Exeter Medical School in Exeter, United Kingdom used a “healthy lifestyle score” based on 4 modifiable lifestyle risks. The goal of the study was to identify if there were any pre-disposing, modifiable factors to assist in decreasing the risk of developing dementia. It came as no surprise that these factors include healthy lifestyle, activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. The good news is that these are “modifiable” and with some healthier lifestyle choices we may have the ability to decrease our risk!