Age UK identifies top five key lifestyle changes to cut risk of dementia

Age UK says cutting risk of dementia by 36% is possible through exercise and a healthy diet.

15:29 15 December 2014

People in the United Kingdom can cut the risk of dementia by 36per cent by having a healthy lifestyle, it has been suggested by Age UK. 

The five actions that can make a huge difference, according to the organization, are regular physical exercise, a Mediterranean diet, not smoking, drinking in moderation, and preventing diabetes. 

Caroline Abrahams, charity director of Age UK, said: “While there’s still no cure or way to reverse dementia, this evidence shows that there are simple and effective ways to reduce our risk of developing it to begin with.

“What’s more, the changes we need to make to keep our brains healthy are already proven to be good for the heart and overall health, so it’s common sense for us all to try and build them into our lives. The sooner we start, the better our chance of having a healthy later life.”

Physical exercise was found to be the most effective way to avoid dementia. Research says that exercising three to five times a week for between 30 minutes and one hour is beneficial.