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Nothing scares us more than dementia. Increasingly, studies find that people fear Alzheimer’s and other such illnesses more than cancer, heart disease, auto accidents, or any other leading cause of death.
Undoubtedly, that shift in the cultural anxiety is due in part to a decrease in the rate of cancer and cardiovascular death. But there’s also the sense of helplessness that so many associate with dementia.
Indeed, there is no cure for dementia, and the available treatments are limited in their effectiveness. Accordingly, the diagnosis is widely seen as a grim one. Causes for the disease are poorly understood, and that leaves prevention seeming as elusive as a cure.
But a new report shows that preventing dementia might be easier and more predictable than we ever imagined.
A new two-year scientific study out of Finland is the first to put simple lifestyle-based dementia-prevention strategies to the test. Thousands of test subjects, aged 60 to 77, participated… and the results are astounding.
Here’s how the study unfolded: test subjects were split into two groups. The first lived their lives like most Americans do, while the second group made a concerted effort over the two years to live a healthy, prevention-minded lifestyle. Specifically, they agreed to take these four simple steps:
- Diet (two weekly portions of fish, plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and meat, minimal sugar)
- Exercise (even something as simple aerobics, a vigorous walk, or strength training — just a few times each week)
- Regular checkups (keeping an eye on blood pressure and BMI, making medical corrections when necessary)
- Cognitive training (games, puzzles, strategy exercises, etc.)
At the end of the two years, the second group scored significantly better on cognitive function tests, indicating sharp mental function and a resistance to dementia.
Researchers are hopeful that they can move forward to conclusively prove that the same regiment is a reliable prevention strategy for dementia. The groups will continue their habits for the next seven years as researchers observe.
It is certainly encouraging to imagine a not-so-distant future in which the dementia rate could conceivably plummet as all of us commit to living healthier lives.
In the meantime, of course, it’s important to remember that dementia remains a real threat. Without a cure in sight, we should all take steps to make sure that our health and our families are provided for should we ever find ourselves facing a debilitating disease.
Preparation is as important as prevention, and we’re happy to see more Americans taking both of those challenges more seriously than ever.
