When it comes to Alzheimer’s and related dementias, with knowledge comes hope. The more we understand dementia, the more empowered we become to prevent and treat it. This is why Baycrest researchers have dedicated their careers to learning more about this disease which 1.7 million Canadians are projected to have by 2050[1].
While dementia is among the most devastating health conditions associated with growing older, the good news is that everyone, regardless of their age, gender or physical abilities, can implement habits that can help prevent it or slow its progression.
This past August, Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist, Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE) and President and Chief Scientist, the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, took to the media to shed light on the 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia: Dementia prevention, intervention and care, which found that nearly half of all dementias could theoretically be prevented by eliminating 14 risk factors[2].
You may already be able to guess some of things that can stave off dementia, like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and getting lots of physical activity. Other known risk factors, however, may come as a shock. Did you know, for example, that vision loss is a risk factor for dementia? Another surprising finding comes from a study by Dr. Jean Chen, Senior Scientist at the Rotman Research Institute, part of BARE, which illuminated that high blood sugar may impair brain health even in people without diabetes.
Dr. Howard Chertkow and Dr. Nicole Anderson, Scientific Director and Associate Scientific Director respectively at Baycrest’s Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness, a research-based community centre explicitly designed to examine the benefits of personalized brain health programming, identify and address risk levels in five modifiable domains: social connections, brain-healthy eating, cognitive engagement, mental wellbeing and physical activity.
Members of the Kimel Family Centre for Brain Health & Wellness receive unique and immersive strategies to reduce their risk of dementia with a holistic approach to health and longevity. The work being done by Drs. Chertkow and Anderson will support members in taking care of their brain health and equip Canada’s rapidly growing population with the knowledge and confidence to implement healthier habits supporting their long-term wellbeing.
Here are a few things you can do to protect your cognitive wellbeing:
Eat a healthy diet consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and fibre while avoiding excessive amounts of red meat and highly processed foods.
The most powerful way to prevent dementia is to get moving. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
Minimize your consumption of alcohol and sedatives and quit smoking cigarettes.
See your doctor regularly to treat medical conditions that could impact your memory, such as vision and hearing loss, sleep apnea or hypothyroidism.
Remaining socially active and finding meaning in your life are essential ways to take care of your psychological health and, in turn, your cognitive health.
Visit Baycrest.org to stay current on the ground-breaking research conducted at BARE to better understand treat, prevent and detect dementia.
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Sources:
1. https://alzheimer.ca/en/about-dementia/what-dementia/dementia-numbers-canada
2. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract