Common Form of Dementia is Preventable

The Alzheimer’s Association reports, “Vascular dementia is widely considered the second most common type of dementia. It develops when impaired blood flow to parts of the brain deprives cells of food and oxygen”.  ” Once vascular dementia develops, there are no drugs currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat it.”

Did you realize this form of dementia is preventable?  In my Blog Talk Radio interview with Jason Young, geriatric clinician, Jason said the biggest preventive step people can take (in avoiding dementia) is to stay “heart healthy”.    Such a simple statement.  But, it is profound.  No matter what age you or your aging parent is, the more that you do for your physical health will absolutely impact the health of your brain.

I imagine every reader has heard this before but I am going to repeat the key health strategies for staying “heart healthy”.

But, this time, realize that every choice (food, exercise, lifestyle) you make each and every day… will impact if, when and for how long you will spend your later years in a nursing home.  Then, think about what that will mean for your children!

Strategies to stay “heart healthy”:

• Prevent or treat high blood pressure.
• Do not smoke.
• Stay a healthy weight.  That will reduce the risk of diabetes, yet another risk factor for dementia.
• Keep total cholesterol under 200 mg/dl.
• Get a total of 30-60 minutes of exercise at least 5 times a week.

Now, share this message with your family and friends!