Older adults who maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet may be able to reduce their risk of cognitive decline, according to a new study..
The study, published in the journal Neurology, followed over 1,400 people aged 65 and older for an average of 10 years. The participants were given cognitive tests at the beginning of the study and then every two years thereafter..
The researchers found that people who maintained a healthy weight, exercised regularly, and ate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had a lower risk of cognitive decline than those who did not..
Specifically, the researchers found that people who maintained a healthy weight had a 20% lower risk of cognitive decline than those who were overweight or obese. People who exercised regularly had a 30% lower risk of cognitive decline than those who did not exercise. And people who ate a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had a 15% lower risk of cognitive decline than those who did not..
The researchers also found that the benefits of these lifestyle changes were independent of each other. In other words, people who maintained a healthy weight, exercised regularly, and ate a healthy diet had a lower risk of cognitive decline than those who did only one or two of these things..
This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. Previous studies have shown that exercise, diet, and weight management can improve cognitive function in older adults. This new study suggests that these lifestyle changes may also help to protect against cognitive decline..
If you are an older adult, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of cognitive decline. These include:.
* Maintaining a healthy weight.
* Exercising regularly.
* Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
* Getting enough sleep.
* Managing stress.
* Staying socially active.
Making these lifestyle changes can help you maintain your cognitive health and reduce your risk of cognitive decline as you age..
