The Times: 10 habits that will help slow progression of dementia

To slow the progression of dementia, it is necessary to develop sociability, reduce sugar consumption, regularly check hearing health, and learn to use technology effectively. Professor Catherine Loveday, a neurologist at the University of Westminster, told The Times about this.

According to Loveday, maintaining friendships and participating in social life reduce stress and anxiety, weakening inflammatory processes in the body. Scientists have previously confirmed that chronic inflammation can accelerate the development of cognitive impairment.

Memory training also plays an important role: the professor advises writing down everything that happened during the day before going to bed. This technique activates the interval repetition mechanism, one of the most effective ways to retain information.

Dr. Loveday emphasizes that the use of technology should not cause embarrassment — on the contrary, phone notes and navigation apps can significantly simplify the daily lives of people with memory impairments. According to her, knowing how to use online maps helps older people maintain their independence and peace of mind, and the geolocation feature can be a lifesaver for relatives in an emergency.

Another way to support cognitive health is to talk about the past. As the professor notes, Alzheimer's patients often remember childhood events well, and nostalgic conversations, for example, about favorite music or school years, help them maintain a sense of identity.

The doctor also reminded us of the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet. According to her, even simple walks are beneficial — navigating in space stimulates the areas of the brain responsible for memory.

“An abundance of sugar in the diet can increase inflammation in the body and cause glucose spikes, which negatively affect brain function. It is also important to maintain a regular sleep schedule, as both too little and too much sleep increase the risk of developing dementia,” the neurologist explained.

In conclusion, the expert reminded that after the age of 60, it is necessary to have your hearing and vision checked regularly, at least once every two years. Studies show that timely treatment of hearing loss can delay the onset of dementia, although the exact mechanisms of this effect remain unclear.

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