Focus on activities that make you happier in midlife and early life, as higher well-being is linked to a reduced likelihood of developing dementia and can help maintain cognitive function even if the disease is present.
Nurture existing social relationships and spend time with close loved ones, prioritizing the quality of interactions over quantity, as this is a strong psychosocial preventative factor for dementia and boosts overall well-being.
Maintain or start a physical activity routine in midlife that brings you joy and can be sustained across the lifespan (e.g., gym, daily walk, nature, pickleball), as it is crucial for mental, physical, and cognitive health, and cardiovascular prevention.
Stay engaged in education, especially in your teens and 20s, to build cognitive resilience and lower the likelihood of cognitive decline and dementia by setting a foundation for cognitive activity and helping maintain memory and thinking skills even in the presence of pathology.
Actively increase your well-being to create a ‘stress-buffering effect’ that protects your bodily systems (immune, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine) from the harmful, cumulative effects of chronic or severe stress, thereby reducing dementia risk.
Engage in physical exercise, avoid smoking, and foster supportive social relationships, as these behaviors are associated with higher well-being and are important for maintaining cognitive and brain health.
Actively control cardiovascular risk factors, such as maintaining healthy blood pressure, treating diabetes if present, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, to significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia.
Experiment with strategies like gratitude practices, mindfulness, social activity, getting out in nature, and moving your body, and pay attention to what works best for your personal well-being and happiness.
Begin increasing and maintaining your well-being as early as possible and continue across the lifespan, as the positive effects on health behaviors and stress buffering are cumulative and most beneficial when started early.
For individuals living with dementia, prioritize ‘aging in place’ at home if possible, or make care facility environments familiar, home-like, and comfortable to maintain routines, autonomy, and well-being.
Encourage participation in creative endeavors like drawing, painting, dancing, or movement therapy, and expose individuals to visual art, music, or theater, as these cultural arts interventions effectively increase well-being for those with dementia.
Use physical cues like photo albums or familiar objects to help individuals recall meaningful memories, ask them to tell stories, and document/record these stories (write down, digitally record) to preserve their personhood and provide valuable keepsakes.
Create opportunities for older adults living with dementia to connect with younger generations, as these intergenerational relationships provide significant well-being benefits.
Implement assistive technologies like GPS, object locators, and medication reminders to help individuals with dementia maintain safety and independence while preserving their autonomy.
Use technology (e.g., video chat, telephone) to increase the frequency of social contact with loved ones, as connecting more often is beneficial for health and happiness, including for individuals living with dementia.
If you are a care partner for someone with dementia, lean on your social support network (loved ones, support groups) and actively prioritize your own happiness and well-being through self-care practices to manage stress and prevent burnout.