A 35-year study from the UK cites five lifestyle behaviors that have been shown to reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and researchers say these healthy habits are more beneficial than medical treatments or preventative procedures.
The study, published in the journal PLOS One, was led by Prof. Peter Elwood of Cardiff University's School of Medicine.
He and his team analyzed data from the Caerphilly Cohort Study, which recorded healthy behaviors in 2,235 men aged 45-49 from 1979 to 2004, in Caerphilly, UK. During this period, diabetes, vascular disease, cancer and death were recorded, along with a 2004 check for cognitive state.
After assessing the data, the researchers identified the following five healthy behaviors as being essential for the best chance of living a disease-free life:
- Doing regular exercise
- Not smoking
- Keeping a low bodyweight
- Following a healthy diet
- Having a low alcohol intake.
The study shows that the individuals who adhered to four or five of these behaviors had a 60% decline in dementia and cognitive decline, and there were 70% fewer cases of diabetes, heart disease and stroke, compared with individuals who followed none of the behaviors.
As far as reducing the dementia risk, the team notes that exercise was the strongest factor.
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