How to Prevent Senile Dementia

The Alzheimer's Association reported that as of July 2009, over 5.3 million Americans suffer from dementia. Senile dementia is a progressive mental decline seen in adults over 65 years of age. It is not a normal part of aging and is not a specific disease. Causes of dementia are many; the condition affects thinking, memory, communication and behavior. Prevention is possible by practicing healthy lifestyle habits.

Instructions

• 1

  Be examined by your doctor annually. Certain types of dementia are treatable and even reversible.

• 2

  Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages.

• 3

  Exercise at least 1 hour 3 times a week. In a memory special report entitled, "Guarding Your Memory," published in May of 2009 by Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Sam Wang said that physical exercise is the single most important thing people can do to protect their brains and guard their memory.

• 4

  Eat a healthy diet. The Mediterranean diet is ideal. A study published in the August 12, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association in volume 302, pages 627-637, reports that eating a Mediterranean-type diet and engaging in higher physical activity are independently associated with reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of senile dementia.

• 5

  Stay mentally active. For example, consider doing crossword puzzles, playing a board game, reading a book or magazine, using the computer, doing brain teasers, writing a story or balancing your checkbook. Do a variety of activities that are mentally challenging to you.

• 6

  Stay socially active. According to a study published in the January 20, 2009 issue of Neurology, people who go to parties and other social events are at a lower risk of developing dementia than those who regularly stay home.

• 7

  Take Omega 3 fish oil. This supplement helps to delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease, according to a study published in the December 26, 2007 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience.