Preventing dementia is a critical component in successful aging and a healthy lifestyle. Regardless of age, it’s never too early or late to fight against dementia. Dementia is not actually a specific disease. It’s a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting a person’s memory or ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). There are six basic ADLs: eating; bathing; dressing; toileting; transferring (walking); and continence.

At least two brain functions, such as memory loss and impaired judgement, need to be affected for a person to be diagnosed with dementia. A person may experience memory loss along with difficulty of performing ADL tasks such as how to cook or drive. Loss of memory only would not necessarily mean that a person has dementia. Although there are many potential causes of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.

The good news is that the fight to prevent dementia may be easier and more fun than you might think. Combining healthy and fun activities is the smartest way to remain consistent with the behaviors that can help to prevent dementia. Continue reading for 7 tips on how to outwit dementia and cognitive decline.