By Dr. Liew Wei Jie
Physician, Danai Medi-Well Clinic


Dementia presently affects over 55 million people globally. This number is expected to rise significantly as the world’s population continues to age. There are three key factors that increase the likelihood of developing dementia, particularly after the age of 60: lack of hobbies, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. These factors are more common than we realise, but the good news is that they can be mitigated through lifestyle changes.

1. Engage in Hobbies
Having a hobby isn’t just a fun way to occupy your time. It is also essential for brain health. Studies show that regularly engaging in mentally stimulating activities may help to reduce one’s risk of developing dementia later in life. This is because these activities help to maintain neural connections, promote cognitive function and reduce the risk of brain cell deterioration.

When you have a hobby, you’re basically exercising your brain, which is just as important as physical exercise for overall wellbeing. Whether it’s painting, gardening, playing a musical instrument or even volunteering, having a meaningful pastime gives you a sense of purpose and engagement that helps keep cognitive decline at bay.

Go ahead and explore new activities that interest you. Consider something that challenges you mentally, such as learning a new language or picking up a craft.

2. Manage Your Weight
Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases, including dementia. Higher body fat can reduce blood flow to the brain, which may lead to vascular dementia. When the brain doesn’t get enough blood, it can increase the risk of memory loss and eventually dementia.

Obese people also often have higher levels of adipokines, fat cells released by cytokines, which can harm the brain. These substances have been linked to a loss of white matter, the part of the brain responsible for nerve connections. With less white matter and reduced blood flow, the brain may shrink and lose its ability to function normally, leading to brain atrophy and cognitive decline.

If you are concerned about your weight, it is important to ensure that you are making sustainable, healthy choices. Focusing on a balanced diet that is also rich in nutrients that support brain function can help you manage your weight without compromising your health. Personalised supplements are a great option to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need.

3. Stay Physically Active
Physical fitness is another cornerstone of dementia prevention. Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain, helps control inflammation and promotes the growth of new brain cells.

Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym for hours a day. Simple activities such as walking, cycling, swimming or even dancing can have significant benefits for both your body and brain. In fact, cardiovascular activities that get your heart rate up are particularly effective at improving brain function.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming. If you’re new to exercise, start small and gradually increase your activity level to avoid injury or burnout.


Understand Your Risk and Take Control
If you are concerned about your risk of developing dementia, DNA testing can offer valuable insights. A couple of years ago, actor Chris Hemsworth discovered that he has a higher than average chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease (the most common type of dementia) after taking a genetic test.

While genetic predisposition cannot be changed, understanding your genetic makeup allows you to take preventive measures tailored to your specific risk factors. If you discover that you’re at a higher risk for dementia, you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing the disease. Chris Hemsworth, for example, is focusing on improving his sleep, managing stress and staying physically and mentally active to mitigate his risk.

Consult with your healthcare provider or contact us to find out more!


Get to know me:
Dr. Liew Wei Jie excelled in Biochemistry and Physiology during his academic journey. This gave him a strong foundation in understanding the body’s intricate systems, including brain health.