Dementia affects an awful lot of us. In fact, across the UK, there are around 900,000 people living with the condition, a figure that’s expected to double over the next 15 years. Reducing the risks of the condition as we enter older age is incredibly important, while those who do start to develop it can slow the process down through a variety of methods.
Across dementia care services, exercises are a key part of aiding the progression of dementia, as well as reducing the risk as a whole. But what exercises can help with this exactly?
As we get older, here are five daily exercises to complete in order to reduce the risks of the condition…
1. Aerobic Exercise
Regular exercise, such as walking, cycling, swimming and dancing, is incredibly beneficial for brain health. That’s because aerobic exercises increases blood flow to the brain and delivers oxygen and nutrients that support the growth of brain cells.
This can have a huge impact on our cognitive functioning and reducing the risk of dementia, with it recommended that you aim for around 150 minutes of medium-intensity exercise a week.
2. Strength Training
Interstingly, incorporating strength training into a routine can not only provide you with muscles but also contribute to brain health. Whether it’s using weights, doing push-ups, or incorporating resistance bands into your exercise routines, strength training can have a proactive effect on cognitive function as it promotes neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise and form new connections.
3. Balance and Coordination Exercises
As we get older, the risk of falling does become higher, but practising balance and coordination exercises like pilates, yoga, and tai chi can not only aid balance, flexibility and the body’s awareness but also be engaging for the brain, promoting neuroplasticity and coordination, which can reduce the risk of cognitive decline as we get older. This, as a result, keeps our brain more engaged for longer and reduces the risk of developing conditions such as dementia.
4. Mindfulness Meditation
More and more people are taking up meditation these days for a variety of reasons. One being that it can reduce the risk of dementia. This is a result of meditation being good for managing stress, a key contributor to the development of dementia according to studies.
So, by managing that through mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga, you’re having a significant impact on your overall mental well-being, providing you with the opportunity to live a healthy and happy life long term.
5. Brain-Boosting Activities
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help keep your brain sharp and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. There are a variety of ways in which you can do this, from puzzle games and apps like Lumosity, which is scientifically proven to boost our cognitive functioning, as well as playing the likes of chess and sudoku, or learning a new skill such as playing an instrument or learning a language.
This can all improve cognitive resilience, a key trait in warding off dementia. It is evident that taking steps to improve cognitive resilience can greatly benefit our overall brain health and help prevent the onset of dementia. By incorporating activities such as regular physical exercise, engaging in mentally stimulating tasks, and maintaining a healthy diet, we can boost our cognitive abilities and protect ourselves against age-related decline. It is never too early or too late to start prioritising our brain health and taking care of our mental well-being. The key to a balanced life is not just about physical fitness but also about keeping our minds sharp and resilient. So let’s make an effort to incorporate these practices into our daily routines for a healthier and happier future ahead. Thank you for reading this post on mybalancingact.co.uk, your source for holistic wellness tips and advice. Keep balancing!
