9 Ways to Help Prevent Dementia

By Dr. Beth Hodges

Some minor memory lapses are common as people age, but more significant or frequent losses could signal something more severe. This article does not focus on the diagnosis or the disease, but on things members can do to help PREVENT dementia.

1. Keep blood sugar and blood pressure controlled. High blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus increase the risk of dementia and of strokes, which can also affect memory.
2. Exercise. Studies have shown that being physically active, even walking, prevents the onset of memory loss.
3. Be socially active. Humans are not meant to be isolated, and lack of social interaction makes a person more vulnerable to dementia.
4. Engage in regular mentally stimulating activities. These can be in the form of puzzles, games, taking classes in any subject, including even something like pottery making. (Even though that is a physical activity, it forces the brain to make new connections, which “exercises” it.)
5. Eat more omega-3s. It is recommended to eat at least two servings of seafood each week to help prevent dementia. Alternatively, a person could take an omega-3 supplement daily.
6. Ask your provider if you need your vitamin B12 or folate level checked. Low B12 and folate levels can cause memory loss. Things that can cause these deficiencies are long-term use of certain medications, such as metformin or methotrexate, a vegetarian diet, a history of having had stomach surgery, and heavy long-term alcohol use.
7. Speaking of alcohol, limit intake to prevent vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies.
8. If you have hearing loss, find out whether you qualify for a hearing aid. Many people do not realize that uncorrected hearing loss leads to memory loss for many people as they become socially isolated and under-stimulated. (Visit our website for details on hearing benefits.)
9. Do not smoke. Enough said.

I hope these tips have helped . . . and that you remember them! Your Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) provided by your primary care provider (PCP) has within it a brief memory screening. This is a great way to monitor for subtle memory changes, so if you have not had your AWV for this calendar year, call your PCP today!

Dr. Beth Hodges is a family practice and palliative care/hospice physician in Asheboro, N.C., as well as a part-time medical director for HealthTeam Advantage.