Protecting memories

In the U.S., more than 5 million people have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. But effective treatments are few and far between; no new drugs have been approved for more than a decade, and the drugs currently in use do not represent a cure. Therefore, researchers are looking for lifestyle adjustments that can prevent age-related memory loss and dementia. Recently, an expert panel released a report report, “Preventing Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Way Forward,” evaluating evidence from hundreds of randomized clinical trials. The panel identified three strategies that may lower the risk of memory loss:

• Regularly exercising, though more research is needed to determine how much and which forms are best.

• Managing blood pressure, especially from ages 35 to 65.

• Doing “brain training,” including memory and problem-solving exercises.

Source: WebMD.com