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HEALTHY BRAIN

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An healthy brain!

With the progressive ageing of the world's population, it is estimated that the number of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease will double over the next 15 years, generating enormous costs for health systems. Consequently, reducing the risk of this disease is one of the priorities of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Almost a third of cases could be prevented by acting on modifiable risk factors, i.e. factors that could promote the development of the disease and that the person can influence by modifying his or her lifestyle.

Recent research has shown that the neurodegenerative process that leads to the progressive loss of brain cells (neurons) already begins 10 to 15 years before the first clinical symptoms of the disease appear (e.g. memory loss). For this reason, primary prevention interventions that act on risk factors could lead to a reduction in the number of cases of Alzheimer's disease or a slowing of its onset. This innovative field of investigation shows how certain simple interventions can improve the cognitive and cerebral health of senior citizens.

Here are some strategies to improve cognitive performance and keep the brain trained and active!


 

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Faites régulièrement de l’exercice physique
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Exercise regularly
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Particularly aerobic activities, such as running, brisk walking, cycling, but also amateur dancing, tai chi and martial arts.

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Prenez soin de votre cœur
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Take care of your heart
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Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes, are also risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease.

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Arrêtez de fumer
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Quit Smoking
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Smokers have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk to a level comparable to that of non-smokers.rs.

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Entretenez votre réseau social
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Maintain your social network
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Participating in social and recreational activities and engaging in daily relationships with others improves quality of life and is associated with a lower risk of dementia.

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Entraînez votre esprit
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Train your mind
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Engaging in cognitive activities promotes the mechanisms of brain plasticity. For example, reading a book or newspaper, doing crosswords, playing cards or checkers, visiting a museum or an exhibition helps to maintain brain plasticity.

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Suivez une alimentation équilibrée
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Eat a balanced diet
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The Mediterranean diet is effective in reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It is advisable to eat fruit, vegetables (preferably seasonal), bread, pasta and wholegrain cereals, olive oil, onion, garlic and spices daily and in quantity, while limiting red meat, cold cuts, sugar and salt.

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Lancet Commission: 3 new modifiable risk factors identified

An expert commission organised by Lancet assessed the influence of different risk factors for dementia.

 

Dernière mise à jour : 12/11/2020