Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia.
Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.
Lifestyle choices can protect your brain
While symptoms of dementia can vary greatly, at least two of the following core mental functions must be significantly impaired to be considered dementia:
- Memory
- Communication and language
- Ability to focus and pay attention
- Reasoning and judgment
- Visual perception
The six pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle are:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
-
Mental stimulation
- Quality sleep
- Stress management
- An active social life
Study finds that cognitive activity in old age may delay the onset of dementia by 5 years
4 Lifestyle Choices That Impact Brain Health