A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report sheds light on the critical importance of early detection and management of dementia across various U.S. counties. The report emphasizes that lifestyle changes, regular health check-ups, and engagement in cognitive activities are key strategies in reducing the risk of dementia.Experts Dr. Adriana Davis and Dr. Shelandra Bell recommend specific actions to lower dementia risk. ‘Early and sustained engagement in physical, cognitive, and social activities, along with managing cardiovascular risk factors, are key strategies for dementia prevention,’ Dr. Davis suggests. These strategies include adopting a physically active lifestyle, quitting smoking, and engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading and puzzles.A study involving 78,430 adults in the UK found that taking approximately 9,826 steps per day was associated with a 51% reduction in dementia risk. This finding underscores the significant impact that physical activity can have on cognitive health.The CDC report also provides county-specific health statistics related to factors that can influence cognitive health. These include rates of diabetes, poor mental health, insufficient sleep, and lack of leisure time. For instance, in Olmsted County, 7.5% of residents have diabetes, 12.6% report poor mental health, and 27% sleep less than 7 hours per night. These local statistics aim to raise awareness about the prevalence of risk factors in specific communities.The report serves as a call to action for residents across various counties to take proactive measures in safeguarding their mental wellbeing and reducing their risk of dementia. By highlighting both the risk factors and prevention strategies, the CDC aims to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their cognitive health.
Key points
- CDC report emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of dementia across various U.
- Experts recommend lifestyle changes, including physical activity and cognitive engagement, to reduce dementia risk.
- Taking approximately 9,826 steps per day was associated with a 51% reduction in dementia risk, according to a UK study.
- County-specific health statistics provided to raise awareness about local prevalence of dementia risk factors.
S.
counties.
