You can reduce the risk of dementia (Image: Getty) A two-decade-long study involving over 10,000 women has identified seven key lifestyle choices that can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The study found that regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and keeping blood pressure in check are among the seven factors that contribute to brain health. These seven factors, dubbed 'Life's Simple 7', also include following a healthy diet, ensuring low blood sugar levels, and managing cholesterol levels.
The comprehensive study, which involved 13,720 American women, demonstrated that an overall increase in 'Simple Seven' scores corresponded with up to a six per cent decrease in dementia risk. The authors of the study hope that these health tips will encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards preventing dementia in their later years by making necessary lifestyle changes during their middle age. The research was conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, with the average participant being 54 years old at the start of the study.
The seven health factors, known as the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7, were identified. Participants were given a score of zero for poor or intermediate health and one point for ideal health for each of the seven health factors - amounting to a possible total score of seven. function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.
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