{"id":1706,"date":"2017-03-02T22:39:10","date_gmt":"2017-03-02T22:39:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/assistinghands.com\/8\/?p=1706"},"modified":"2021-09-29T03:33:46","modified_gmt":"2021-09-29T03:33:46","slug":"4-ways-you-can-decrease-the-risk-of-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/assistinghands.com\/8\/illinois\/chicagoland-naperville\/blog\/4-ways-you-can-decrease-the-risk-of-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Ways You Can Decrease the Risk of Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

We recently talked about the different types of dementia, as well as some causes and symptoms of each (Dementia versus Alzheimer\u2019s: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/a>).<\/p>\n

According to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association<\/a>, 5.4 million Americans are living with Alzheimer\u2019s; over 99% are 65 years or older. That means over 10 percent of senior citizens have this disease. Alzheimer\u2019s, not including the other forms of dementia, is the 6th<\/sup> leading cause of death in America, behind heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, accidents and stroke. Of the top 10 causes of death, this is the only one that cannot be prevented or cured.<\/p>\n

Work continues around the world to determine what causes Alzheimer\u2019s and other forms of dementia so they can be prevented in the future. There was good news in 2016 when scientists from the University of Cambridge<\/a> discovered a gene signature in healthy brains that pinpoints the origins of Alzheimer\u2019s disease. We will have to wait and see if this breakthrough will lead to preventative treatments for individuals who are considered high-risk for contracting various forms of dementia.<\/p>\n

While there is no cure for dementia\u00a0or magic pill to prevent it, there are things you can do to put yourself at a lower risk of getting it as you get older.<\/p>\n

Here are 4 ways you may reduce your risk of getting dementia:<\/h4>\n