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OPTIMIZE YOUR HEALTH
Lower Your Risk for Dementia
Exercise Your Brain
By Ryan Seay, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist
If you consider dancing, playing cards, doing crossword puzzles,
or reading a good story boring, then reducing your risk of dementia
will be a difficult task. However, if any of these activities sound
like fun, then you will have an easy time reducing your risk of
dementia.
Dementia is generally defined as the loss of intellectual functioning. Basic
cognitions: thinking, remembering, and reasoning become severely impaired as
dementia takes hold. Current research indicates that participation in leisure
activities plays a major role in reducing the risk of developing dementia. There
are many ways to decrease the risk of developing dementia. Below is a list of
activities that have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia.
Chose one activity from the list and make a conscious effort to build it into
your life. After 3-4 weeks, pick another activity and build that one into your
life. After a few months you will be actively participating in behaviors that
will improve your life. You will be reducing your risk of dementia. Evidently
it is true for the brain and body – use it or lose it.
- Crossword puzzles
- Reading stories
- Dancing
- Playing board games
- Playing a musical instrument
Congratulations!!! You have made a difference in your own health.
Remember to eat healthy and exercise your body too.
—July 2007
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Wellness e-Letter
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