Dementia Care and Prevention: Starting in Your 40s

It is said that the earliest signs of dementia may begin to emerge in our 40s—

around 30 years before the condition is diagnosed. The good news is that there is a great deal we can do now to take a positive, proactive approach to prevention.

Is “Using Your Brain” Alone Enough?

Even highly intelligent scholars and linguists can develop dementia. The most important factor in prevention is not simply doing brain-training exercises, but engaging in physical activity.

WHO Recommendations: Exercise You Can Start Today

In May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the following amount of exercise:

•Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week—the kind of activity that makes you breathe harder. That works out to roughly 20–25 minutes a day.

•Practical examples: Aim for 6,000–8,000 steps a day, and take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever you can.

An Extra Tip for Smartwatch Users

Try to raise your heart rate to around 120–130 beats per minute two or three times a day.

Three Habits to Avoid at All Costs

The WHO warns that dementia can be the final destination of lifestyle-related diseases. To avoid worsening high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, try to limit the following habits:

•Smoking

•Excessive alcohol consumption

•Overeating

Let’s work together to build a healthier future.

Note: This is a translation of the original text. For individual medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.