The WHO says that a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of dementia – not supplements – Quartz

On May 14, the World Health Organization released new guidelines on the most effective ways to prevent dementia, or serious abnormal cognitive decline. The group concluded that the best way to avoid cognitive decline later in life is not to take supplements or play brain games, but to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The detailed report echoes many of what you may hear at your primary health care provider's office: regular physical activity, a diet rich in plant-based foods, and limited meat, as well as maintenance of Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar prevent cognitive decline and dementia in the elderly. We do not know exactly why they do it. Scientists have only been able to rely on observational studies of large cohorts of people attempting these lifestyle changes, which means that it is impossible to identify a factor that causes or permanently prevents dementia. But this is probably due to the fact that all these lifestyle changes benefit the heart. Heart disease is a known risk factor for cognitive decline, and their prevention can also protect against the development of dementia.

"Like many colleagues, I already tell my patients that what's good for their heart is probably for their brains," Robert Howard, a psychiatrist at University College London, told the Science Media Center. .

The healthy lifestyles described in these new guidelines can not permanently prevent dementia. Scientists are still trying to understand the multitude of causes of the syndrome, and some genetic factors increase the risks. Every year, about 10 million people around the world will develop dementia, but scientists estimate that about one-third of cases could be prevented through a healthier lifestyle.

The report refutes the idea that various supplements can prevent cognitive decline. Although supplements can be helpful for those whose diet can not provide all their nutritional needs, they are mostly useless. Fish oil and gingko supplements do not seem to improve any aspect of health. In addition, the supplements are subject to less stringent regulations than other drugs, and it was found that some did not contain the advertised active ingredients. "There is currently no evidence that taking these supplements actually reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and we know that, in large doses, they can be harmful," Neerja Chowdhary, a health practitioner, said. mental health at the World Health Organization. , said to the AP.

With regard to puzzle games, there is little evidence that they actually prevent any type of cognitive decline.

The good news is that, at least in theory, the adoption of a healthy lifestyle should be accessible to all. This will certainly not harm your overall health and it is possible to start each day. However, this requires dedication: it is sometimes more difficult to change routine by incorporating different foods. It can be harder to get daily exercise than taking a few pills or playing a game.