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How A Dementia Research Leader Protects His Brain Health

How A Dementia Research Leader Protects His Brain Health

Dr Harry Pritchard, Alzheimer's Society Run Club As we are entering a New Year, many of us will be looking to make healthier decisions for our body and lifestyles but according to one expert, we should be also prioritising our brain health. Dr Harry Pritchard is an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Research Leader fellow, based at the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre at the University of Manchester. As somebody at the forefront of understanding dementia and how protecting your blood vessels can protect your brain, Dr Pritchard is keen to convey that while dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in three people born today expected to develop the condition in their lifetime, it is not actually an inevitable part of ageing. HuffPost UK spoke with Dr Pritchard and he shared his five tips for keeping your mind sharp, body primed and overall health able to keep conditions and concerns such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, mental health and more, at bay. Scientist reveals top five tips to reduce dementia risk Keep blood pressure under control High blood pressure, diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 140/90 mmHg, places excessive strain on the vessels in your brain, potentially causing lasting damage. Pritchard says: “Research has shown that people with high blood pressure in midlife – from 40 to 64 years of age – were significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life, particularly vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. “The NHS recommends having your blood pressure checked at least every five years if you’re over 40, even if you feel fine. If you have high blood pressure you can often get it down with changes to diet and being more physically active. Medications can also help too.” Maintain a healthy weight Pritchard advises: “Studies suggest that obesity between the ages of 35-65 can increase dementia risk in later life by about 30%. People with obesity are more likely to have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes , both of which are risk factors for dementia. “Obesity can also lead to chronic inflammation in the body, which can have knock on effects on the brain.” Manage blood sugar levels for brain health People living with diabetes have a higher risk of dementia, especially if they have had it for many years and it’s not been managed effectively to keep blood sugar levels under control. Dr Pritchard explains: “Diabetes damages the blood vessels within the brain, making them leakier and reducing the amount of blood being delivered to brain cells. It also allows toxic substances to enter the brain and damage nerve cells. “Eating a healthy, balanced diet, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is the most common type.” Quit smoking The expert urges: “Smoking damages the blood vessels in your body, including those in your brain. This means that brain cells don’t get enough blood to work properly. Smoking also damages a person’s heart and lungs, which are both involved in keeping the brain well-supplied with oxygen.” However, he adds that stopping smoking is thought to reduce your risk to the level of non-smokers and the earlier someone quits and the longer they stay smoke-free, the better it is for their health. “It’s never too late to quit smoking.” Keep physically active – move for your mind! “Research has shown that people who take regular exercise may be up to 20% less likely to develop dementia than those who don’t. You don’t need to run marathons: physical exercise does not just mean playing a sport or running, it can also mean daily activities such as brisk walking, cleaning or gardening”, says Dr Pritchard. He adds: “Being active doesn’t just prevent dementia by lowering your blood pressure and helping you lose weight, it improves the health of your heart and blood vessels, directly benefiting the brain’s blood supply!” Noted. Dr Harry Pritchard is a member of Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Run Club – a unique running group whose 10 members all have personal and professional connections to dementia. The club will train for and run the 45th AJ Bell Great North Run together on 13 September – to fundraise vital donations for the charity and inspire other runners to sign up to their own AJ Bell Great Run Series event. Related... 6 Depression Signs In Midlife Are Linked To Dementia Risk The 20-Minute Activity That May Reduce SAD, Dementia Risk, And Blood Pressure Your Cheese-Eating Habits Could Offer Clues About Your Dementia Risk