Sound colors of autumn: Healthy strategies against dementia in Liesing

Sound colors of autumn: Healthy strategies against dementia in Liesing

On October 17, 2025, everything in Klagenfurt will revolve around mental health in old age. Daniel Oberlerchner, MSc, is an experienced coach who is completely dedicated to the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. In his coaching practice he follows a holistic approach that combines sport, nutrition, mental fitness and work with the nervous system. Oberlerchner emphasizes: “It’s better to take small steps that have a lasting effect than big plans that fail after two weeks.” In doing so, he addresses a central concern of many people who want to actively take care of their health.

A wealth of information shows that neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's place a heavy burden not only on those affected, but also on their relatives. This makes raising awareness about prevention strategies all the more important. New findings from natural medicine presented by Institute of Health emphasize the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, stress management and regular exercise}}

The role of diet and exercise

A balanced diet can make a big difference. Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols may play a protective role in our brain health. Fish, nuts, berries and green leafy vegetables are particularly recommended. But it's not just diet that's important; Physical activities also promote cerebral blood flow and support neuroplastic processes. Regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, as a study on zeitschrift-sportmedizin.de shows.

Physical inactivity is considered one of the biggest risk factors for dementia. What is particularly alarming is that up to 50% of modifiable risk factors, such as lack of exercise and obesity, could be reduced, which could counteract up to 130,000 cases of dementia in Germany. So it's high time to take action and minimize the risks.

Mental health and stress management

But the mental challenges are also crucial. Oberlerchner emphasizes that mental activity through learning, reading or solving puzzles is important to maintain cognitive skills. Lifelong learning and social interactions also promote neuronal health. Stress management is another important aspect because stress can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Techniques such as meditation and mindfulness help regulate stress responses and increase overall well-being.

Surprisingly, sleep is also a crucial factor. Adequate sleep is necessary to remove cerebral waste. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. A strong social network can also protect and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

While the forecast for people with dementia will increase to up to 3.5 million by 2050, positive approaches are also emerging through the development of new therapies. Although there are currently no causally effective medications, preventative measures and lifestyle changes can have a decisive influence on development.

Overall, the combination of natural medicine and psychotherapy is promising. Herbal remedies combined with therapeutic approaches can significantly improve treatment for those affected. The interdisciplinary exchange between natural medicine specialists and psychotherapists appears to be particularly important in order to gain a holistic picture of health and to help patients in the best possible way.

Whether in everyday life or in Daniel Oberlerchner's practice - the findings on neurodegenerative diseases and their prevention are not only relevant, but also a call to actively shape your own health.