There are various ways to prevent dementia in our daily lives. These methods include exercise, mental stimulation, social engagement, daily activities, and leisure pursuits. But how effective are these approaches in preventing dementia?

According to Kim Eo-su, a professor of psychiatry at Severance Hospital, the amount of exercise plays a significant role in dementia prevention. "People who walk three times a week can reduce their risk of dementia by 30 percent, while those who walk every day, seven times a week, can lower their risk by 70 percent," he emphasized on the hospital's YouTube channel.

In addition to walking, engaging in other physical activities such as dancing and swimming can also contribute to dementia prevention.

Furthermore, increasing brain activity through reading newspapers, magazines, and books has been shown to have a preventive effect against dementia. Kim highlighted that individuals who do not read face a fourfold increased risk of dementia. On the other hand, frequent reading of magazines and newspapers provides a protective effect of 20 percent or more against dementia.

Kim emphasized that learning is an even more effective method for preventing dementia than reading. "Actively learning new computer skills or a foreign language has been shown to be highly effective in preventing dementia," he explained.

Surprisingly, listening to the radio is also beneficial for dementia prevention. Kim pointed out that "when listening to the radio, using your whole brain to imagine what you are hearing is essential. Active engagement with radio content, rather than passive listening, has a significant positive effect on preventing dementia."

Increasing socialization is another important aspect of dementia prevention. Kim explained that interpersonal connections enhance the neural connections in the brain, leading to improved cognitive function. Having a larger social network and more interpersonal relationships has been linked to a greater number of neuronal connections, which in turn reduces the risk of dementia. People with three to four friends have a 20 to 30 percent lower likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with one to two friends.

Regular interactions with close family members and friends also contribute to dementia prevention. Seeing family members once a month is associated with a 15 percent lower risk of dementia, compared to those who have infrequent contact. Kim further stated that seeing friends or family members every day can provide more than a 40 percent protection against dementia.

Engaging in leisure activities is also effective in preventing dementia. "Frequent visits to the theater, movies, or exhibitions are known to have a 40 percent preventive effect against dementia," Kim noted. Moreover, activities such as volunteering, pursuing hobbies, as well as everyday tasks like washing dishes, cleaning, gardening, and knitting at home, have also shown a 40 percent preventive effect.

Ultimately, the key lies in maintaining an active lifestyle. Increasing one's overall level of activity has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia by 20 to 30 percent. Engaging in three or more social activities can even lead to an impressive 80 percent risk reduction. According to Kim, "the best way to prevent dementia is to make every day meaningful, rewarding, and enjoyable."