Dementia tends to affect people over the age of 65. The four most common types people develop are Alzheimer’s disease, lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. While there’s no certain way to prevent all types of dementia, there’s good evidence that suggests a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of it developing when you’re older.
Studies have shown that spending an hour a day on a hobby might protect against dementia in later life
Dr Arghya Sarkhel
A diet high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, and low in fibre is believed to be a risk factor for dementia, so eating a healthy, balanced diet is recommended.
Not smoking and doing more exercise are also believed to slash the risk of dementia developing.
But on top of these lifestyle changes, Dr Arghya, consultant psychiatrist at private practice Living Mind, recommends taking time out your day to do a hobby.
“Studies have shown that spending an hour a day on a hobby might protect against dementia in later life,” Dr Arghya told Waitrose & Partners magazine.
Those with active minds all tend to develop better coping mechanisms for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
He added: “You really do need to be using and firing your neutrons consistently over a long period of time to see any benefit.
Dementia care: Spending an hour
