Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — June is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and right now, nearly seven million Americans are living with the disease. That number is expected to nearly double to 13 million by 2050, but there are science-backed steps you can take right now to lower your risk of developing dementia.
Every 65 seconds, someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s incredibly tragic to see these families pass this disease on from generation to generation,” said Eric McDade, DO, Asst. Prof. Washington University at St. Louis School of Medicine
Having a family history of Alzheimer’s means you have an increased risk of getting Alzheimer’s, but not that you are guaranteed to get it. The Lancet Commission found that addressing certain lifestyle factors can prevent up to 40 percent of dementia cases. So, what can you do to reduce your risk? First, lower your cholesterol. Statins can help those who have trouble lowering their cholesterol on their own.
“Statins are marvelous drugs. They have probably saved as many lives as any drugs we’ve ever developed,” said Steven E. Nissen, MD, Heart Vascular & Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic
And it turns out, statins may also cut your Alzheimer’s risk by up to 30 percent. You should also stop smoking. Those who smoke increase their Alzheimer’s risk by a whopping 79 percent. In addition, a study in France found heavy drinking increases your risk of dementia by three-folds, so limit your alcohol consumption. And have you heard of brain flossing?
Brain flossing is a viral trend that involves listening to 8D audio, sounds that switch between your left and right ears, creating the sensation that you’re clearing your brain of gunk. The trend can minimize chronic stress, which is a risk factor for cognitive decline. From cholesterol to chilling out. Making smart, daily choices could help you protect your brain for the long haul.
One more tip, cut back on processed meat. Research shows that eating a lot of it can increase your dementia risk by 13 percent. Instead, focus on brain-friendly foods like nuts, legumes, and fish to keep your mind sharp.
Contributors to this news report include: Milvionne Chery, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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Sources:
https://www.alz.org/abam/overview.asp
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
https://www.alzinfo.org/understand-alzheimers/alzheimers-disease-facts-and-statistics/
https://nypost.com/2025/03/20/health/brain-flossing-explained-and-5-tips-for-how-to-do-it-right/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-eating-more-processed-red-meat-increase-dementia-risk
