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It’s Salt Awareness Week and a new report suggests that over the counter remedies for things like heartburn could contain worryingly high levels. A report by Which? found that the maximum daily dose of Alka-seltzer has 150% of the recommended intake. Vaping may be less harmful than smoking, but scientists at the University of Rochester in the US have found that those who use e-cigarettes are twice as likely to suffer wheezing symptoms, which are linked to developing lung conditions.
Women take longer to call an ambulance when they have the symptoms of a heart attack than they do for their male partners, according to research. The Polish study found that fewer female victims got the proper treatment quickly enough. DEMENTIA is the health timebomb facing millions. This week Dementia UK is calling on Brits to join in fundraising with its annual Time For A Cuppa campaign.
Meanwhile celebs including EastEnders star Jake Wood are training to run the London Marathon next month in honour of Barbara Windsor, who has Alzheimer’s.
But what can you do to lower your dementia risk? Here, JAMES MOORE gives tips on boosting your brain…
People who have regular nookie are better at recalling lists and recognising patterns, according to researchers at Coventry University. They believe that the release of sex hormones such as dopamine and oxytocin could help.
ROCKING IT: A study of twins at the University of California found that those who were able to play an instrument actually had a one-third lower risk of developing dementia. It’s thought that education may delay the onset of the condition by making the brain more resilient.
PERK ME UP: Scientists at the Krembil Brain Institute in Canada found that compounds called phenylindanes in coffee act against certain proteins that are found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s.
JUICE THE JOB: It might be worth gulping down some orange juice with your breakfast. Researchers at Harvard University tracked 28,000 men and found that those who sipped a glass daily had a
ABCDwhopping 47% less cognitive decline than those who didn’t.
A TIPPLE OR TWO: Enjoying a pint could also make you less likely to develop dementia than going teetotal, according to research published in the British Medical Journal. Scientists have also found that a small amount of wine each day could be part of the recipe for fighting Alzheimer’s as it may help the brain’s self-cleaning process. However, heavy drinking could have the reverse effect.
PUB POWER: Anything that increases the amount you socialise could help make sure you don’t develop dementia. In a 10-year study researchers at Florida State University College of Medicine found that loneliness can increase your chances of dementia by 40%.
HOT TIP: A study in the journal Age And Ageing found that the more people visited a sauna, the smaller their risk of dementia. The experts suggest it could be linked to relaxing the heart, as good cardiovascular health has been found to help protect the brain.
PRESSURE’S OFF: Get your blood pressure checked. Lowering it from a top reading of 140 to 120 can slash the risk of cognitive impairment – which often leads to dementia – by a fifth, say experts.
GET EXERCISED: Do at least 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, every week.
Staying active can help fend off dementia, according to the
Alzheimer’s Society.
EFGHITOOTH HURTS: Brushing twice a day can help protect your brain as the bacteria associated with gum disease can damage nerve cells, potentially leading to Alzheimer’s.
FIGHT FLAB: A 10-year study shows that the fatter people are the more likely they are to develop dementia. Being overweight is thought to fur up the blood vessels that supply the brain.
NUTTY IDEA: Research shows that lowering your meat and dairy consumption could help, as can upping your level of foods found in Mediterranean diets such as green veg, nuts, fish, grains and pulses.
GAME ON: Pursuits such as puzzles and crosswords can help to keep your brain active, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. Even playing video games can help improve brain capacity and help fend off dementia, according to a Canadian study.
SOUND IDEA: Have your hearing checked. Researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that hearing loss was a risk factor for cognitive decline.
QUIT FACTOR: It doesn’t just prevent cancer, giving up smoking may protect your brain too, as a South Korean study found that people who quit were less likely to develop dementia.
Find out more about Time for a Cuppa at dementiauk.org and learn about Barbara’s Revolutionaries at dementiarevolution.org
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