Did you know? People struck with dementia, depression or a stroke often end up suffering from one or two other diseases, according to a study by the Brain Care Labs du Massachusetts General Hospital. In question: lesions touching the small blood vessels of the brain, explains the American daily The New York Times.
High blood pressure and diabetes contribute to the risk of these lesions. But the study indicates that “At least 60% of brain vascular accidents, 40% of dementia cases and 35% of late depression cases could be prevented or slowed down by controlling risk factors”. In addition, these factors are interconnected and it is possible to fight them as a whole. Thus, playing sports and going to walk with a friend would allow both to fight overweight and social isolation.
So what are the behaviors that protect brain diseases? Low to moderate alcohol consumption, cognitive activity (reading, puzzles, etc.), a diet “Rich in vegetables, fruit, dairy products, fish and nuts”moderate or high physical activity (less obvious) “Finding a meaning in life” and have a “Vast social network” (in real life) constitute as many shields.
Know how to take care and surround yourself
Conversely, high blood pressure, high BMI, high blood sugar, strong cholesterol levels, depressive symptoms; A diet too rich in red meat, candy, sodas and salt; hearing loss, kidney disease, chronic pain; sleep disorders; tobacco; loneliness or isolation; And finally stress represent as many risk factors.
From there, what to do? First, avoid excess blood pressure, one of the largest risk factor. For healthy people, it means eating less salty and doing more sport. For people with hypertension, it is a question of following an adapted drug treatment.
Researchers also advise to practice mental tasks “A little difficult” Like reading, making puzzles or learning to play a new musical instrument, ideally with other people, since conversation stimulates cognition and social interaction is also positive.
Finally, the earlier these changes occur in someone’s life, the more protective they are. So turn off this computer or put this phone, get out of your home and learn to play the bagpipe with your friends, it will do you the greatest good.
