Unexpected Causes of Memory and Thinking Decline Have Been Named

A "beer" belly, poor eyesight, and rare trips to nature accelerate cognitive decline.

This was reported by gazeta.ru, citing Andrey Ilnitsky, a Russian geriatrician, expert of the social project "Dementia.net," and Doctor of Medical Sciences.

According to him, many people fear senile dementia but only start thinking about it after age 65. The doctor advises practicing behavioral hygiene for the brain starting at a young age. And it's not just about nutrition and sleep.

"It's better to exercise or walk with someone, because socialization and communication are additionally engaged," explains Ilnitsky. Solo physical activity is also beneficial, but if you go to a workout with a partner or in a group, the brain-protective effect is greater.

Monitor your body's indicators. Keep track of your body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Any deviation in these parameters should be gently and promptly corrected.

Choose green neighborhoods. A high concentration of pollutants (microplastics, hydrocarbon combustion products) is now considered one of the risk factors for dementia. Ilnitsky calls this a quasi-infectious process. Harmful particles trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and increase the production of substances that lead to the disease — this resembles how the human body interacts with microorganisms.

"If possible, choose a neighborhood with green spaces, or at least get out into nature on weekends," the expert advises.

Lose 3–5% of your body weight. Visceral fat, which often accumulates around internal organs but is visually noticeable in the abdominal area, releases pro-inflammatory cytokines — molecules that damage the brain and over time can cause dementia.

Get your vision checked. "When a person has poor eyesight, the volume of information reaching the brain decreases. And this is already considered a risk factor for cognitive impairment," emphasizes Ilnitsky.

It is beneficial to start thinking about dementia prevention well before retirement. As early as age 35, men may develop a "beer" belly — and this is a signal of visceral fat accumulation, which is dangerous for the brain. "If a belly appears early, you need to get your lifestyle in order, see doctors in a timely manner, and treat any identified conditions," notes Ilnitsky. The sooner measures are taken, the longer clear thinking will be preserved.

After age 65, vigilance alone is not enough — regular screening is needed. Ask a loved one to name three words, get distracted by a conversation, and then have them repeat those words.

"Couldn't do it? That's a reason to visit your doctor and also check hearing, vision, blood pressure, blood sugar, mood, and weight — all of this together helps detect a problem at its onset," he concluded.