While we search for a cure:
We all know Canadians are friendly and have big hearts, but did you know that many of the things you do to protect your heart will also help to reduce your risk of having dementia later in life?
According to the Canadian Senate, there are over 750,000 people living with dementia in our country. While this is staggering on its own, the future is even more frightening. By 2031, just nine years from now, this number will grow to over 1.4 Million, if we do not find a cure.
CLEAR Foundation is committed to understanding and one day treating and curing the many forms of dementia. While our researchers work towards these goals, here are eleven behaviours that you can modify to help reduce your risk of developing dementia later in life.
Behaviours you can adopt to protect your brain, and your heart:
- Have your hearing tested and wear hearing protection when needed (> hearing tests)
- Have your blood pressure checked (> signs of high blood pressure)
- Quit smoking, helps at any age (> help to quit)
- Be tested for diabetes and monitor your blood sugar (> blood glucose)
- Work on keeping your weight down in mid and late life (> BMI)
- Stay physically active throughout life (> active lifestyle)
- Keep social ties and stay connected to community and friends (> stay connected)
- Watch for signs of depression and seek professional help when needed (> depression symptoms)
- Keep alcohol consumption to under 21 “drinks” per week (> low risk alcohol consumption guidelines)
- Protect your brain from concussion and injury (> concussion)
- Limit your exposure to air pollution when possible (> air pollution)
The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care originally published this list in 2017. In 2020, the report was updated and three new risk factors were added. (full report)
Being aware of these risks factors and doing what we can to minimize their impact on our health is part of the solution. What we also need is more research. CLEAR Foundation is working to expand private support of medical research into the causes, prevention and treatment for the many forms of dementia. 100% of the donations we receive go to making more research possible.
