Effective Strategies for Retirees to Prevent or Delay Dementia and Cognitive Decline

While there is currently no cure or vaccine for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment, there are lifestyle choices you can make that have the potential to delay, mitigate, or possibly prevent some forms of cognitive decline. The best part is that these actions can also improve your overall health and enhance your life. Our retirement financial experts explore a few strategies that you can incorporate to achieve these goals.

Key Takeaways

• Alzheimer’s is feared by retirees more than any other illness.
• Studies have shown that you can delay and decrease the impact of cognitive decline through a number of specific activities and lifestyle changes.
• There is no guarantee that these activities will help everyone, but these activities are helpful no matter what condition you are in and will improve your quality of life overall.

Americans have a greater fear of Alzheimer’s disease than they do of cancer, stroke, and heart
disease combined, according to a recent survey. While Alzheimer’s is well-known, many seniors
also experience mild cognitive decline or other forms of dementia as they age. These conditions can
greatly impact their quality of life and decision-making abilities. In fact, the American Academy of
Neurology estimates that a significant number of people aged 80 and above suffer from mild
cognitive impairment.

If you have witnessed the effects of these conditions through your aging parents, it may be a wake-
up call that you or a loved one could experience similar issues in the future. Rather than being consumed by fear, why not use this as motivation to take steps to prevent, mitigate, or delay these
conditions?

While there is currently no cure or vaccine for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or mild cognitive impairment,
there are lifestyle choices you can make that have the potential to delay, mitigate, or possibly
prevent some forms of cognitive decline. The best part is that these actions can also improve your
overall health and enhance your life. Let’s explore a few strategies that you can incorporate to
achieve these goals.

1. Stay physically active.

Research has shown that exercise can reduce the risk of dementia. The
type of exercise doesn’t matter as much as finding something you enjoy and can sustain long-term.
Activities that involve social interaction may provide an added benefit. You can maintain a fun lifestyle while planning for retirement.

2. Engage in meaningful work or volunteering.

There is some debate about how work impacts
mental health, but engaging in fulfilling work or volunteering that stimulates your mind and provides
social connections may be protective. Additionally, the extra income can help reduce stress. Here are some hobbies for retirees that earn passive income.

3. Take care of your heart.

Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol levels has been linked to a reduced risk of dementia, as well as heart disease and stroke.

4. Establish healthy habits.

Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough
sleep, avoiding smoking, and not abusing substances are all well-known practices for a healthier
life. You can now add “reducing the risk of dementia” as an additional reason to adopt these habits.

5. Foster an active social life and engage in stimulating activities.

Building a supportive network of
family and friends can be protective against dementia. Participating in activities, hobbies, and travel
that challenge and stimulate your mind is also beneficial. Playing an instrument or social dancing
may even lower the risk of dementia, while also bringing joy and enrichment to your life.

6. Incorporate deep focus practices.

Regularly practicing yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or meditation can
help reduce stress and improve cognitive functioning.

It’s important to note that vitamin and supplement claims for reducing the risk of dementia are not
well-supported by evidence. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before investing
in such products.

Given the serious implications of Alzheimer’s and dementia, it is wise to adopt as many of these
strategies as possible today. By doing so, you can potentially improve your quality of life and be
better prepared in case these conditions develop despite your efforts.

While these strategies cannot guarantee the prevention of Alzheimer’s or dementia, they offer the
opportunity for a better life with no harmful side effects. So go ahead and break a sweat, have some
fun, and take proactive steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling future.