There are certain steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing dementia – here are a few suggestions from an expert
An Alzheimer’s specialist says a five-minute daily task could help protect your brain from dementia. It involves challenging your brain to do something unfamiliar.
Experts from the NHS explain that dementia is a group of related symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. There are many different causes and many different types.
Dementia is not only about memory loss. It can also affect the way you speak, think, feel and behave. However, there are certain things you can do to reduce your risk of the disease. This comes as it was announced that services which are dementia “lifelines” for people living in rural County Durham and Northumberland will continue for three further years, as reported by ChronicleLive.
Dr Helen Moore, a dementia researcher with more than 20 years’ experience in cognitive health, says one of the most effective ways to lower dementia risk is to spend five minutes a day learning something new. “It could be reading an article on a topic you’ve never explored, trying a new word in a foreign language, or even solving a different type of puzzle,” she explained.
“The key is to challenge your brain with something unfamiliar. Just five minutes a day of this mental stretching can build cognitive reserve — the brain’s resilience against decline.”
Why it works
Research shows that mentally stimulating activities help strengthen neural connections and may delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Learning something new, even in small bursts, forces the brain to adapt, creating new pathways that could help offset age-related changes.
“Think of it like exercise for your brain,” Dr Moore says. “You don’t have to run a marathon — a short, consistent workout can still make a difference.”
Live-in care experts at Alderberry Care, who support people with dementia, say they see the benefits of mental stimulation first-hand. “We encourage our clients to keep their minds active every day,” a spokesperson from Alderberry Care said.
“It might be playing a quick game of cards, listening to a podcast, or chatting about the news. Even a short mental activity can lift mood, boost confidence, and keep the mind engaged.”
They also stress the importance of variety. They added: “Switching activities helps work different parts of the brain. One day it might be a crossword, the next day a short walk with a conversation about what you see. These little habits can add up to a big difference over time.”
Easy ways to get started
If you want to try Dr Moore’s five-minute brain workout, here are a few ideas:
- Learn a new fact every day — pick a topic you know nothing about
- Try a brain teaser or puzzle you’ve never done before
- Listen to a short podcast on a completely new subject
- Practise a few words in another language
- Write down three things you noticed today that you’ve never paid attention to before
While no single habit can guarantee you’ll avoid dementia, experts agree that keeping your brain active is one of the best defences. As Alderberry Care’s team puts it: “The earlier you start, the better the long-term benefits. A few minutes today could mean more memories tomorrow.”
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