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3 Dementia-Preventing Habits You Can Start Doing Today

Morgan Chamberlain
Author:
April 1, 2023
Morgan Chamberlain
mbg Supplement Editor
By Morgan Chamberlain
mbg Supplement Editor
Morgan Chamberlain is a supplement editor at mindbodygreen. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree in magazine journalism and a minor in nutrition.
Image by Brat Co / Stocksy
April 1, 2023

Dementia is growing in prevalence worldwide: Approximately 24 million dementia cases1 exist globally and are expected to increase by three million this year alone. As such, people are wondering how to protect their brains from cognitive decline and doing what they can to prevent dementia.

While certain lifestyle habits (such as eating a healthy diet, regular movement, and getting deep, restful sleep) are obvious choices in helping to promote brain longevity, we've discovered some surprising and impressively effective dementia-preventing strategies: 

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1.

Take a citicoline supplement

Citicoline is a well-studied neuronutrient commonly found in memory supplements. It's been shown to improve cognitive impairment in several clinical studies, as well as enhance both memory and behavior in patients with chronic cerebral disorders (like dementia and Alzheimer's disease) and cognitive deficits linked to cerebrovascular disorders. 

In addition to its effect on cognitive impairment, citicoline helps promote healthy brain activity by supporting mitochondrial health, increasing ATP in the brain, and modulating healthy neurotransmitter levels. (You can read more about citicoline's extensive brain health benefits here.)

2.

Practice deep breathing

In a recent Scientific Reports study, healthy adults that practiced deep breathing for 20 to 40 minutes per day were able to lower the amount of Aβ40 and Aβ422 in their blood. High blood levels of Aβ are an Alzheimer's-disease-related biomarker, so lowering them may help protect the brain from cognitive decline.

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3.

Prioritize socialization

Loneliness is one of the biggest risk factors of dementia. In fact, a study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society earlier this year found that social isolation was associated with a 28% higher risk of developing dementia. 

Arguably, spending quality time with family and friends is one of the most important ways to protect your brain from cognitive decline.

The takeaway

Utilize these unique and effective dementia-preventing habits to enhance your cognitive function, protect your brain, and bolster your brain longevity.

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Morgan Chamberlain author page.
Morgan Chamberlain
mbg Supplement Editor

Morgan Chamberlain is a supplement editor at mindbodygreen. She graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science degree in magazine journalism and a minor in nutrition. Chamberlain believes in taking small steps to improve your well-being—whether that means eating more plant-based foods, checking in with a therapist weekly, or spending quality time with your closest friends. When she isn’t typing away furiously at her keyboard, you can find her cooking in the kitchen, hanging outside, or doing a vinyasa flow.