- Dementia describes several different types of declining brain function, including Alzheiemr's disease, vascular dementia and dementia with lewy bodies
- Signs and symptoms of the condition could include memory loss and leaving items in strange places, such as an iron in the fridge
- You could reduce your risk of dementia by getting some regular exercise, according to the Alzhiemer's Society
Dementia signs and symptoms include memory loss, a poor ability to concentrate and getting confused in familiar places.
Types of the condition include vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease dementia with lewy bodies.
Your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older.
You may be able to reduce this, however, if you change your lifestyle and diet to start doing certain exercises.
Doing some brisk walking for 150 minutes a week could help reduce your risk of developing the condition, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Getting regular physical exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia.
“Getting regular physical exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of dementia,” says the charity.
“It’s good for your heart, circulation, weight and mental wellbeing.
“You might find it difficult to start exercising, or worry it means doing an activity you don’t enjoy. It’s important to find a way of exercising that works for you.”
The Society says you can try moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or water aerobics, to help reduce your risk.
“This will make you breathe faster and feel warmer - you’ll be able to talk but shouldn’t be able to sing the words to a song,” they advise.
Dementia: You could reduce your risk of dementia by taking up brisk walking for 150 minutes a week
Doing exercise can reduce your risk of dementia, but may not help if you’re already suffering from the condition.
A study recently published in the British Medical Journal suggested that exercise may not help dementia sufferers.
“A moderate to high intensity aerobic and strength exercise training programme does not slow cognitive impairment in people with mild to moderate dementia,” says the study.
“The exercise training programme improved physical fitness, but there were no noticeable improvements in other clinical outcomes.”
The study, led by researchers from Oxford University, followed 494 dementia sufferers with an average age of 77, of which two thirds were assigned to an aerobic and strength exercise programme while the rest had usual care.
You could also help prevent dementia by dancing.
“Studies have shown that the occurrence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be reduced by exercises like dancing,” said Dr Jo Rodda, consultant cognitive psychiatrist at Re:cognition Health.
“Not only is it fun, social and engaging but it’s a great way of incorporating exercise into the weekly routine.
“Learning and remembering new steps activates many neural pathways in the brain, keeping it strong, active and healthy. Exercise provides good blood flow to the brain and is also thought to encourage brain cell growth and survival, so essential in helping protect against developing dementia.”
She recommends vigorous dance exercise three times a week for 20 minutes, or moderate exercise five times a week for 40 minutes to reduce your risk of getting dementia.”