May 2023 - Brain Health Hub

May 29, 2023

Does spending time outdoors reduce risk of developing dementia?

1 min read

Posted by Joyce Siette
on May 29, 2023

Does spending time outdoors reduce risk of developing dementia?

Spending time in sunlight is associated with many health benefits, in particular recent research has revealed a positive relationship between sunlight exposure and reduced risk of developing dementia.

This may be because UV exposure is essential for the absorption of vitamin D, which is involved in supporting brain health and reducing cognitive decline. A prospective cohort study of 362,094 participants did find that higher sunlight exposure is associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia. In particular, lowest risk was associated with spending 2 hours a day in sunlight in Summer, 1 hour a day in Winter and 1.5 hours a day on average.

However, too much sunlight exposure can have negative effects such as an increased risk of developing skin cancer and eye disease. Therefore, this study is important in helping to provide guidance on optimal sunlight exposure in order to achieve a protective effect against dementia.

“Higher sunlight exposure is associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia.”

Dr Joyce Siette

Want to read the full article?

Follow the link below to read this study on Springer Link.

Joyce Siette

Got a question or comment about dementia?

Share in the comments below.

May 22, 2023

Can we optimize cognition and brain function by modifying dietary compositions?

1 min read

Posted by Joyce Siette
on May 22, 2023

Can we optimize cognition and brain function by modifying dietary compositions?

It is well known that there are multiple modifiable risk factors, including physical activity and diet, that contribute to the development of dementia.

However, it is currently unclear how multiple lifestyle factors interact to influence cognition, and therefore cause dementia.

A three-year prospective longitudinal study called ‘ACTIVate’ will attempt to explore the impact that diet holds on cognitive and brain function. This is important, as findings will help to shape future multi-domain dementia interventions and prevention by optimising diet behaviours and improving cognition.

“This study will help to shape future multi-domain dementia interventions and prevention by optimising diet behaviours and improving cognition.”

Dr Joyce Siette

Want to read the full article?

Follow the link below to read this study on BMJ Journals.

Joyce Siette

Got a question or comment about dementia?

Share in the comments below.

May 15, 2023

The role of education on dementia prevention

1 min read

Posted by Joyce Siette
on May 15, 2023

The role of education on dementia prevention

Did you know that there are easy ways to reduce your risk of developing dementia?

Around 40% of dementia cases are caused by health and lifestyle risk factors that could be prevented, such as poor smoking and drinking habits, however most people are unaware of how to reduce their risk.

The educational intervention ‘Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course’ attempted to provide effective dementia risk reduction by teaching participants about how to minimize their dementia risk and increase their motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This intervention appeared to be highly successful and engaging, and may be an important public health strategy that can help increase understanding of dementia risk reduction to a broad audience.

“Around 40% of dementia cases are caused by health and lifestyle risk factors that could be prevented.”

Dr Joyce Siette

Want to read the full article?

Follow the link below to read this study on PLOS One.

Joyce Siette

Got a question or comment about dementia?

Share in the comments below.

May 8, 2023

Can personality influence the development of dementia?

1 min read

Posted by Joyce Siette
on May 8, 2023

Can personality influence the development of dementia?

Certain personality traits have been found to be related to certain risk factors that can contribute to the development of dementia.

Individuals with high levels of neuroticism and low levels of conscientiousness have been found to engage in more risky behaviours such as smoking, consuming alcohol and minimal exercise, and these risky health behaviours are known to be associated with dementia. A change in personality may also be seen as an early sign of dementia, especially when paired with an increase in aggressiveness, apathy and impaired emotional control.

Therefore, personality is something that should be considered when determining at-risk individuals in society.

“Personality is something that should be considered when determining at-risk individuals in society.”

Dr Joyce Siette

Want to read the full article?

Follow the link below to read this study in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.

Joyce Siette

Got a question or comment about dementia?

Share in the comments below.

May 1, 2023

Is patient and public involvement worth incorporating into dementia research?

1 min read

Posted by Joyce Siette
on May 1, 2023

Is patient and public involvement worth incorporating into dementia research?

Public involvement in research involves research being carried out by or with members of the public, such as the incorporation of individuals with dementia in dementia research. This contributes to a better understanding of those affected by a condition and widened scientific knowledge and perspectives.

As these individuals are experts on the experience of living with this condition, it can provide researchers with a better understanding of the daily impact of dementia, and enable researchers to develop new skills and decrease any stigma associated with this disorder.

However, there are some limitations associated with participatory research. Additional time, training, effort and planning are required to incorporate individuals with dementia into the research process. Furthermore, there are ethical concerns due to communication restrictions and behavioral changes that occur as a result of cognitive impairment caused by dementia.

Although participatory research appears to be important in broadening scientific perspectives, the impact on the parties involved needs to be investigated further.

“Public involvement in research can enable researchers to develop new skills and decrease any stigma associated with dementia.”

Dr Joyce Siette

Want to read the full article?

Follow the link below to read this study on SagePub.

Joyce Siette

Got a question or comment about dementia?

Share in the comments below.