Exercise, Hearing, Blood Pressure, and Quitting Smoking: US CDC on Brain Health
The materials of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mention that lack of exercise, hearing loss, high blood pressure, and smoking may increase the risk of dementia. This information can serve as a reference for daily health maintenance, but specific measures require consultation with professionals. This article lists several suggestions for family members and care facilities.
Machine translation of our Chinese article, without human translation review. Suggestions concerning China remain specific to China.
Automatically reviewed, without human verification. Programmatic checks are not professional review. Seek professional advice where appropriate. Automatically reviewed on 10/4/2026, 7:14:25 AM
Chinese fact summaries and suggestions for China (not a full translation)
Original: Reducing Risk for Dementia | Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia | CDC · Original language: en
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Facts from the sources
According to US CDC 2024 materials, lack of physical activity is listed as one of the factors that may increase the risk of dementia. View source
The US CDC cites expert advice that adults can do 150 minutes of physical activity per week, at least 20 minutes per day, to help maintain brain health. View source
US CDC materials state that hearing loss is a very important risk factor for dementia. View source
The US CDC states that treating hearing loss (such as using hearing aids) may reduce the risk of dementia. View source
The US CDC points out that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and limit blood flow to the brain, thereby potentially causing damage to the brain. View source
US CDC materials state that current smoking also increases the risk of developing dementia (including Alzheimer's disease). View source
For older people and families
Accompany the elderly in physical activity, totaling about 150 minutes per week; 20 minutes a day is also good.
When the elderly cannot hear clearly, have their hearing checked, and consider hearing aids if necessary.
Measure blood pressure regularly, remind the elderly to take medication on time, and see a doctor when it is abnormal.
If the elderly person smokes, accompany them to consult a smoking cessation clinic.
See what care and community teams can do
Before organizing community exercise groups, first conduct physical and health assessments for the elderly, then design low-intensity activities.
Provide hearing screening services, which require trained personnel and portable audiometry equipment, and promptly refer to hospitals when abnormalities are found.
Set up blood pressure monitoring stations, operated and recorded by certified personnel; those with abnormal blood pressure are advised to seek medical attention.
Carry out smoking cessation support groups, which need to be led by trained social workers or medical staff, and do not involve medication guidance.
Public education lectures must state that the materials come from the US CDC, do not represent official Chinese guidelines, and emphasize consulting a doctor.
What needs local assessment
The above information comes from public materials of the US CDC, is not an official Chinese guideline, and does not constitute medical advice. The relationship between lack of exercise, hearing loss, high blood pressure, and smoking and the risk of dementia varies among individuals, and the risk values are not specified. Any health intervention, including exercise plans, hearing checks, blood pressure management, and smoking cessation, should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor or professional. Do not stop taking medications or change treatment plans on your own based on a single piece of information. Fact source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Source: CDC). The original materials are freely available on the CDC website. This site and its China-localized suggestions do not represent endorsement by the CDC, HHS, or the US government; no images or logos have been reproduced.
Sources
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Was this article helpful?
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