How To Prevent Dementia: Playing One Game Can Reduce Risk

Nobody wants to suffer from the neurological condition that is often found in old people aged 65 and above. As much as possible, doctors want to treat this condition early on. There is one catch - dementia is not just a product of aging. It is a result of a decline in brain functions brought about by diseases.

Scientists have time and again expressed that there has not been an exact and specific method to prevent dementia. What they've discovered is that if you keep your mind stimulated and strong, you would be able to reduce your risk of developing dementia.

Board Games

Express reported that a study that was conducted by the University of Edinburgh discovered how board games kept pensioners mentally astute. The pensioners concerned played chess, bridge, and Monopoly.

This finding was a result of a series of tests on the subjects. About 1,091 people had tests on memory, thinking speed, and problem-solving.

The subjects were first tested when they were 70. Every three years, they would repeat the test until they were able to reach 79 years old.

The result of the study showed that those who played non-digital games experienced less decline in their brain's capacity. Subject areas that they were tested with included thinking speed and memory.

They also found out that those who played games several times in one week had higher IQ scores compared to their non-playing counterparts.

Professor Ian Deary said that they are zeroing in on the kind of activities that would help keep the brain sharp as one gets older. He added that it could do better if they would be able to pinpoint which games yield more benefits for the participants.

Healthy Food

Since the brain also needs nutrients, it would be best to eat foods that are really good for the brain. One good example is fish. Choose those that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and mackerel.

Try to eat more fruits and vegetables, cereals and legumes. These could provide the brain with the right nutrients that it needs to function better. Steer clear of sugary and salty foods. The latter groups are known to wreak havoc to the body and to brain health.