STRESS AND SMOKING RAISE DEMENTIA RISK

Poor lifestyle hurts grey matter

STRESS and smoking may raise the risk of dementia in later life because they shrink key parts of the brain. Dr Sabina Brennan, from Trinity College Dublin, has warned an unhealthy lifestyle reduces the cells that process information. There are 55,000 people in Ireland living with dementia but this is expected to more than double to 113,000 by 2036. Each year, over 4,000 people develop the condition – at least 11 people every day. International Men’s Health Week kicks off on June 10 and the theme is practical actions to aid mental fitness. The Dementia: Understand Together national awareness initiative, led by the Health Service Executive, has tips on how to keep your mind healthy: Get moving: adults should aim for 150 minutes of activity per week – walk for 30 minutes on five days – gardening or housework counts Keep your brain active: working, reading, playing cards or playing a musical instrument helps. You could also learn a skill, hobby or language Stay social: join a friend for a walk, go dancing, sign up with a choir, or get involved in a community group. Just 10 minutes of interaction can help Quit smoking: Double your chances of stopping with support from the HSE QUIT team – Freephone 1800 201 203 or text 50100 for free to get a call back Know your blood pressure: healthy levels are vital for heart and brains. Get it checked once every six months Limit stress: keeping worry on a short leash will benefit your mind. Laughter and sleep are also vital Healthy eating: try a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, dairy, lean meats, poultry and fish. Try to reduce alcohol consumption too, and Just a small thing, such as asking how someone is doing, taking a few minutes to chat, calling by for a cuppa, or giving someone time to collect their thoughts, can help combat the stigma and isolation people sometimes experience.