A new study suggests that health modifications should take place earlier in life to fight diseases like Alzheimer's disease. This information is released even if many studies say that the deterioration of brain function starts by age 40.
The report by the Daily Telegraph was presented during the World Innovation Summit for Health in Doha. The chairman of the summit, former Labour Health Minister, Lord Darzi said that individuals should act as early as now to change their diet and exercise practices. He added that people should also start to exercise their brain through puzzles and other brain stimulating activities.
As he wrote to the Daily Telegraph, "The degenerative brain condition that strips sufferers of their dignity and humanity is among the most feared of all those that afflict our species. It is one of the greatest health challenges we face. At an individual level we need to look after our brains - sharpen those chess skills, pick up that crossword and solve that puzzle."
He then added, "Eating a healthy diet, avoiding obesity and getting plenty of exercise are all important to brain health because what is good for our hearts is also good for our heads."
According to statistics, in the United Kingdom alone, around 850,000 people are estimated to have dementia by 2015. Also, Alzheimer's disease is the leading type of dementia worldwide. This degenerative brain condition affects cognitive function accompanied by deterioration in the performance of certain tasks and skills.
Furthermore, they added that every year, more than 80,000 cases of dementia could have been prevented by lifestyle changes. If actions were done to decrease their blood pressure, have a healthy diet, and take part in physical exercise and activities in their middle life, they could have prevented the occurrence of dementia.
The study also found out that Type 2 diabetes was responsible for more than one third of cases. Lord Darzi added that the results can attest to the fact that dementia can be curbed and battled through lifestyle changes.