00:00 Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 65 is living with dementia and another
00:05 22% experience mild cognitive impairment?
00:08 Luckily, there are several habits that can help lower your risk, no matter your age.
00:13 While many things can contribute to your dementia risk like family history and genetics, there
00:17 are several factors that are in our control that can help lower your risk.
00:21 1.
00:22 Manage your blood pressure.
00:23 2.
00:24 Keep cholesterol levels healthy.
00:25 3.
00:26 Keep a consistent and stable blood sugar range.
00:29 4.
00:30 Get enough physical activity.
00:31 5.
00:32 Eat a brain-healthy diet.
00:34 6.
00:35 Focus on fiber.
00:36 7.
00:37 Don't smoke.
00:38 And if you do, consider talking to your healthcare team about quitting and resources that can
00:41 help.
00:42 8.
00:43 Seek treatment for symptoms of depression, if present.
00:45 9.
00:46 Keep socially connected.
00:48 10.
00:49 Limit alcohol use.
00:50 11.
00:51 Score 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
00:53 12.
00:54 Challenge your brain.
00:55 The brain is a muscle, after all.
00:57 So flex it.
00:58 13.
00:59 Reduce hearing loss, if present.
01:01 14.
01:02 Meditate.
01:03 15.
01:04 Take steps to prevent head trauma.
01:05 As you can see, a lot of things can influence your brain health and dementia risk over time.
01:10 But several healthy lifestyle factors like moving enough, eating a balanced diet, and
01:14 finding time for meditation and social support can seriously move the needle.
01:18 I hope this answered some of your questions about dementia.
01:20 Thanks for watching.
01:21 (upbeat music)
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