Best Ways to Prevent Alzheimer's and Dementia

A recent study published in The Lancet Public Health predicts that the estimated number of people with dementia will triple by 2050. The main risk factors: obesity, smoking, and social isolation. While you can’t change your genetics, you can adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors to reduce your risk of Alzheimer's and Dementia.

If you are looking to incorporate healthy behaviors into your daily routine, you might benefit from talking to your primary care provider to make a plan. Sign up for a membership with Mira today to get access to unlimited $25 virtual primary care appointments! Starting at an average of $25 per month, Mira also offers gym membership discounts at locations nationwide and more.  

What is Alzheimer's and Dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term for several progressive diseases that affect memory, cognitive ability, and alter behavior. Dementia can be caused by Alzheimer’s or stroke, but it is not an inevitable part of aging. Alzheimer’s causes between 60-70% of all dementia cases.

The signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's and Dementia are not the same for everyone, and can go unnoticed for long periods of time. The first sign is generally forgetfulness and progresses to confusion, communication issues, and eventually physical difficulties affecting daily life. The cost of treating dementia worldwide was $818 billion annually in 2017. By 2030, the cost is expected to have more than doubled, to US $2 trillion.