When your health is a state of mind
COFFEE lovers who love to attend different concerts and spend time on Netflix might be at increased risk of dementia.
Scientists are warning that certain seemingly harmless habits could be ageing the brain prematurely, with chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease increasing with different, everyday habits.
From having a smoke to avoiding the GP, here are 13 habits that could increase the risk of dementia:
1. DRINKING ALCOHOL
No surprise to anyone – having a pint at the pub isn’t a great habit for your brain. While some may think only binge-drinking is harmful, it turns out that even having a little drink can have a major impact.
One study, published in 2022, concluded that only two pints of beer or glasses of wine a day is able to age the brain equal to 10 years. Shockingly, just a single pint can prematurely age the brain by two years.
2. NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP A study published in Nature Communications found those who slept six hours or less a night increased their risk of dementia by 30 per cent compared to people who got seven hours or more.
3. SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ALONE
One US study looked at the brains of healthy adults who reported feelings of loneliness.
The researchers found that these individuals had elevated cortical amyloid levels – a marker used to help diagnose dementia.
4. GOING TO CONCERTS
Loud noises, such as listening to music through headphones, on the radio, or live in concert, increase risk of hearing loss, which in turn makes people more likely to develop dementia, scientists say.
5. NOT
GETTING
ENOUGH
EXERCISE
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by
28 per cent, according to
Alzheimer’s Society. This includes going to the gym, getting steps in or enjoying a morning swim.
6. MISSING GP APPOINTMENTS