According to the 2021 National Council on Aging, the 9th chronic condition is Alzheimer’s Disease and/or dementia. Eleven percent of Medicare adults are treated annually for Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease is one specific type of dementia — a condition that causes memory loss and difficulty thinking or problem-solving to the point that it interferes with everyday activities. Dementia is not a normal part of aging and is caused by changes to the brain over time.

The biggest risk factors for these chronic conditions are things you often can’t control, including age, family history, and genetics. But studies suggest incorporating the following habits into your lifestyle could slow or prevent onset of this chronic condition. Exercise. Staying active isn’t just good for your heart, it’s also great for your brain. Sleep. Your brain does important stuff while you are sleeping, so getting at least 7 hours of deep sleep a night is crucial. Healthy Eating. Be smart about your diet. Research suggests some foods can
negatively affect your brain.

Source: 2021 National Council on Aging, Inc