Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, first designated by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. Since then, the number of Americans suffering from this debilitating illness has nearly tripled. With so many people living longer lives the potential for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s increases. While no one know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s, it’s believed that lifestyle choices may have a big impact on your chances of avoiding the disease. Here are some steps you can take.
1. Don’t Smoke
For decades, we’ve known the dangers of smoking in regard to lung and throat cancers, but studies have reported that smokers over the age of 65 have a nearly 80% higher risk of Alzheimer’s than those who’ve never smoked.
2. Stimulate Your Brain
Research has hinted that regular mental exercise can reduce your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 70%. You should spend at least 20 minutes a day exercising your brain by reading, writing, playing a musical instrument, or working crossword puzzles.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
You know that you should eat the right foods, and this is even more important in warding off dementia or Alzheimer’s. It’s been suggested that the best diet to follow is the Mediterranean diet. This is a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, fruits, cereals, fish, olive oil, and low amounts of saturated fats found in dairy, meat, and poultry.
4. Avoid Isolation
It’s a good idea to remain socially active to avoid the loneliness and isolation common to seniors who live alone. Not only will this help prevent anxiety or depression, but it may even help you to avoid the mental deterioration of dementia or Alzheimer’s. You can remain socially active by volunteering, becoming active in your church, taking classes, or even just staying in touch with friends and going out for the occasional dinner or dessert.
5. Watch Your Weight
A study has found that people who were overweight in middle age were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s later, and those who were obese were three times as likely. Who knew that losing weight could help your brain?
6. Control Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High bold pressure and cholesterol are both bad for your heart, but they’re also bad for your brain. They are associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Both can be controlled through diet, exercise, and if need be, medication.
7. Limit Alcohol Consumption
While some studies have shown the benefit of consuming red wine in moderation, excessive alcohol consumption can dramatically raise your risk of Alzheimer’s and accelerate brain ageing.
All of these recommendations to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia are also beneficial to your health in general, and can lower your risk of heart disease, cancers, diabetes and liver failure. By following these recommendations, you can live a longer, healthier and happier life.
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Apex
10000 Cambridge Village Loop
919-249-7612
Brier Creek
7901 TW Alexander Drive
Raleigh, NC
919-737-7000
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75 Cavalier Drive
Wilmington, NC 910-756-4189
