These are the consequences of sleeping after sustaining a concussion.
Staying Active and Healthy: Key to Reducing Dementia Risk
In the ongoing quest to maintain a healthy mind and body, a new focus is emerging: the importance of staying active and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle.
The National Library of Medicine offers a valuable resource for identifying emergencies related to medical symptoms, and they have a list of signs indicating the need for emergency medical attention. If you find yourself experiencing serious medical symptoms, it's crucial to call 911 immediately.
When it comes to dementia and memory issues, a common habit to avoid is physical inactivity, or being sedentary. Regular exercise and physical activity are strongly associated with reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Studies show that engaging in moderate physical activity for at least 35 minutes per week can significantly lower dementia risk, with up to a 41% reduction reported [2][3].
Other habits that influence dementia risk include an unhealthy diet, social isolation, poor sleep, unmanaged heart health, and untreated conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Addressing these modifiable factors through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying socially engaged, getting sufficient sleep, and managing cardiovascular health can help protect brain function [1][2][4].
To avoid dementia linked to these habits, consider the following tips:
- Stay physically active regularly to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation [1][3].
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains [1][4].
- Engage socially and mentally through reading, puzzles, or social activities [1][3][5].
- Manage health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing impairment early, especially from midlife onward [2].
- Ensure good sleep habits, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly [4].
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on what a concussion is, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has published a guide on concussions for parents. The Cleveland Clinic provides information on whether it's safe to sleep after a concussion, while the University of Michigan Medicine offers sleep tips after a concussion. For those with children, the University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospitals has an Infant and Toddler Concussion Guide.
In a study published by the Journal of Neurotrauma, mild traumatic brain injury, poor sleep, and magnetic resonance imaging were linked in veterans. Neurology Clinical Practice also has a practical guide to evaluating sleep disturbance in concussion patients.
By making these lifestyle changes and staying informed, you can take significant steps towards reducing your risk of dementia and memory issues.
- Ensuring good sleep habits, which means aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly, is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health, as poor sleep can potentially contribute to the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
- Incorporating science-backed mental-health practices, such as engaging in activities like reading and puzzles, can contribute to a brain-healthy lifestyle and help protect against dementia and memory issues, in addition to regular exercise and a balanced diet.
