Dementia: Mediterranean diet, reducing alcohol and getting more sleep could reduce risk

Get more sleep

Analysis of the data showed that people in their 50s and 60s getting six hours of sleep or less were at greater risk of developing dementia later.

Compared to those getting normal sleep (defined as seven hours), people getting less rest each night were 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.

“During the day, we all make some of this beta amyloid protein in the brain,” said Health Harvard.

The health site added: “When we sleep, however, brain cells and their connections actually shrink. 

“This shrinking allows more space between the brain cells, so that beta amyloid and other substances that accumulate during the day can be flushed away.”