health
Eating eggs, spending time with friends, and other simple habits that reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia
The number of people with dementia worldwide will increase from 57 million this decade to about 152 million by 2050. It is a condition without a definitive cure yet, so the most effective scientific strategy at the moment focuses on three fronts.
TL;DR
- Eating eggs four times a week is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's in individuals over 65.
- Daily consumption of coffee or tea can lower the risk of dementia by 18%.
- Regularly listening to music is linked to a 39% lower risk of dementia, and playing an instrument reduces it by 35%.
- Walking long distances can delay cognitive decline by up to seven years for older adults at high risk for Alzheimer's.
- Obesity has been found to accelerate Alzheimer's progression by up to 95%.
- Individuals with a clear sense of purpose have a 28% lower likelihood of developing cognitive decline.
- Active social lives are linked to a lower risk of accelerated cognitive function decline, while social isolation increases vulnerability.
- Prolonged exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of dementia and can accelerate the accumulation of proteins related to Alzheimer's.