How to fight off dementia

As I continue to study for my long-term care insurance exam next month, I’m keeping an eye open for news and research about dementia.

Dementia is an increasingly common condition which affects around 800,000 people in the UK.

The risk of developing dementia increases as you get older, with the condition usually occurring in those over age 65.

There was an interesting article in the Daily Express yesterday, reporting on a group of scientists who have found ten golden rules that can dramatically lower the risk of dementia.

Here is the list in full:

1. Taking vitamins can help

2. Take fish oils

3. Drink green tea

4. Drink odd glass of red wine

5. Don’t get drunk

6. Take some physical activity

7. Enjoy a rich and stimulating environment

8. Keep your brain active

9. Dance

10. Don’t worry about things

These steps, which were formulated by experts at at the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre, might not address the underlying diseases which cause dementia, but can help to delay debilitating symptoms.

They all appear to be reasonably simple lifestyle changes; eating well, getting regular exercise and keeping our brains active are three things we should all be doing as we get older, to improve quality of life.