Regular physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of dementia. It benefits the heart, improves circulation, helps maintain a healthy weight, and boosts mental well-being.
Experts say that both aerobic and strength-building exercises play vital roles, each contributing differently to overall fitness and brain health.
Recently, a specialist in cognitive health, Dr. Omobolanle Ayo while drawing from her extensive clinical experience, highlighted the critical role of early intervention in managing and preventing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which often runs in families. Her approach blends clinical practice with community education, stressing that prevention deserves as much attention as treatment.
“Dementia doesn’t just happen overnight,” Dr. Ayo explained. “It is often the result of small, cumulative changes in the brain and body over decades. But the good news is we can influence many of those changes through lifestyle.”
She recommends regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and consistent mental engagement as key pillars of brain health. “The brain thrives on engagement,” she noted. “Activities that challenge memory, language, or coordination such as learning a new instrument, dancing, or social interaction — help strengthen neural connections.”
Beyond her medical practice, Dr. Ayo is dedicated to community outreach, ensuring that scientific insights reach the people who need them most. “Science should never be distant from the people it aims to help,” she said. “That is why I am passionate about translating these findings into something people can use daily.”
Her advocacy also extends to addressing cultural misconceptions surrounding dementia, particularly in African societies where the condition is often misunderstood or stigmatised.
Its been stressed that early recognition by families enables timely intervention — a step that can significantly change the course of the disease and improve quality of life.
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