00:00Dementia is a growing health concern worldwide. Currently, over 7 million Americans over the
00:06age of 65 live with Alzheimer's disease. This number is set to nearly double by 2060.
00:11But losing memory and thinking skills with age is not something which is inevitable.
00:16In fact, scientists say that everyday habits can protect our brain.
00:19Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Schmidt College of Medicine studied lifestyle
00:24factors that influence cognitive health. Their findings bring hope for prevention beyond
00:29medication. They highlight changes anyone can make to potentially reduce dementia risk.
00:35One of the major discoveries comes from large clinical trials called POINTER in the US and
00:40FINGER in Finland. Both studies focused on older adults at high risk of cognitive decline.
00:46Participants who adopted healthy routines showed significant improvements in memory,
00:51attention and decision making. So what kind of habits? First, physical activity plays a vital role.
00:58Exercise improves blood flow to the brain and stimulates growth factors that support memory
01:04centers like the hippocampus. Even moderate regular movement can help. Next, diet matters. The trials
01:11emphasize Mediterranean and DASH style diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and healthy fats.
01:20Now these foods reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both linked to brain aging. But it's not just
01:27diet and exercise. Social engagement and mental stimulation also boost brain health. Activities
01:34like reading, puzzles, group discussions and learning keep neural pathways active. Staying socially connected
01:41also helps prevent isolation which can worsen cognitive decline. Now scientists explain that these
01:48combined lifestyle factors can be even more powerful than treating a single risk alone. They complement
01:54each other to support brain resilience. It's never too late to adopt these changes. Doctors now have new
02:00tools to help patients prevent or slow down dementia progression. These choices are generally low risk and
02:08cost effective. They offer a practical approach alongside medical care. But the impact of dementia goes beyond
02:15individual health. Dementia care costs billions globally every year. In 2024, nearly 12 million family members
02:23and unpaid caregivers provided an estimated 19.2 billion hours of care to individuals living with
02:30dementia, amounting to a societal cost of more than $413 billion. Now many families also face emotional,
02:38physical and financial burdens as they care for their loved ones. Now supporting lifestyle-based prevention
02:44could ease these pressures and so there is a need for community-based solutions also that support both
02:50patient and caregivers. Public health policies could integrate exercise classes, nutrition education and
02:57cognitive training into senior support services. Moreover, simply reducing key risk factors by 10 to 20% every
03:05decade could lower dementia cases up to 15% over time. That could save lives and resources on a massive scale.
03:14For those caring for people with dementia, these findings offer hope. Encouraging loved ones to stay
03:19active, eat well and remain mentally and socially engaged can make a real difference. Dementia does not have
03:27to be an unavoidable part of aging. In fact, scientists suggest that a clear evidence-based path forward.
03:33By making certain lifestyle changes, we can protect our brains. That means healthier, sharper minds for longer.
03:39So start today, walk daily, choose nutritious foods, stay curious and connected. Protect your cognitive health
03:46for your sake and those who care about you. This is a promising breakthrough in a challenge that affects millions
03:52worldwide. The science is clear, everyday habits matter. So let's take the steps to keep our minds strong with time.
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