How Can I Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease?

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia. It accounts for 60 to 80% of dementia cases. It is characterized by the accumulation of tau (tangles) and amyloid-beta (plaques) proteins in the brain, thus killing brain cells.

Also, apolipoprotein E has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms in older adults.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia in people aged 65 years and above.

There is no clear cause of Alzheimer’s disease. However, in 1 percent of all cases, three genes relating to amyloid-beta production determine whether or not it will occur.

In the other 99 percent of the cases, both tau and amyloid are closely linked to Alzheimer’s. In addition, lifestyle, vascular risk factors and inflammation in the brain may contribute to the development of symptoms.

Alzheimer’s has far reaching effects on the financial, physical and emotional lives of those affected. Those affected include the patient, caregivers, families and friends.

It may be right to note that high risk groups such as those with mental health issues and elderly are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Similarly these groups of people are also vulnerable to tuberculosis.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include memory loss and taking longer to perform normal daily tasks. Others include confusion about locations and loss of spontaneity.

Alzheimer’s may also cause personality and mood changes, trouble paying bills, impotence and trouble handling money.

So, if you notice a decline in your memory which affects your ability to do any of your daily duties, talk to your doctor immediately. Your doctor will screen you for Alzheimer’s and other related conditions.

Alzheimer’s disease – a serious form of dementia

It has almost become a joke. Do you know many people joke about Alzheimer’s disease somehow? For example, people would forget the word they wanted to use and would joke: ‘must be early Alzheimer’s’. Also, they may lose track of where they left your keys and would say: ‘guess I’m getting Alzheimer’s’.

Alzheimer’s disease can occur in people in their their 40s or 50s. Called early onset Alzheimer’s, this type of Alzheimer’s affects about 5% of all the people with the condition.

It is important to note that Alzheimer’s disease is no joking matter. In fact, we know that even under the casual, joking jabs at our memory problems, Alzheimer’s is a serious condition.

I suspect that many of us, when those occasional lapses of memory happen, wonder if we really ARE starting to lose our memories to one of the most baffling and devastating diseases we know.

Alzheimer’s disease is common among elderly people

For many of us who are approaching the far side of middle age, that’s a frightening statistic. Those jokes have the air of gallows humor.

However, there is good news on the Alzheimer’s front. Research into risk factors and predisposition have turned up some interesting correlations between general health, social well-being and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association has some suggestions that may help lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and even slow its progression among those who have already started showing symptoms.

Ways to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease

1. Eat your fruits and veggies

Mother always told you to eat all your veggies, and this is one more good reason. In one study of over 1,800 elderly men and women, researchers found that those who drank fruit or vegetable juice at least three times a week had a 75% less risk of developing Alzheimer’s than those who drank less than one glass per week.

Why? The answer probably lies in the effects of antioxidants. Fruit juices – especially berry juices – are among the highest sources of antioxidants around. Dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, berries and citrus juices are all up there as excellent sources of antioxidant goodness. So get out the juicer and drink up!

2. Eat a healthy, balanced diet – and don’t forget your fats

A healthy diet is basic to a healthy brain and skin. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits should be your major source of calories.

But doctors are starting to take a closer look at fats again including natural oils. One source of fat that appears to be vital to rebuilding and maintaining brain cells is fish.

The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in high concentrations in cold-water fish like tuna and salmon, as well as in shellfish, are an important ingredient in building neural pathways that function properly.

Nutritionists suggest including a source of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet at least three times a week.

It is important to note that coconut oil helps improve brain function in people afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Also, consider these healthy foods.

3. Get social

Evidence shows that those who have the least contact with friends and family are more likely to develop dementia than those who have more active social lives.

Social activity and maintaining family and social ties seem to stimulate the brain cells and keep them from atrophying. When’s the last time you had coffee with your sister or brother?

4. Exercise your brain

Recent studies strongly suggest that elderly people – including those with Alzheimer’s disease – can improve their memories with practice.

Also, research has shown that activities like crossword puzzles, memory games and challenging mental activities could help the brain create new neural pathways as old brain cells die off.

So get out the word-search books and have some mental fun!

5. Stay physically active

In one study of almost 500 adult children of parents with Alzheimer’s disease, researchers found that those who exercised regularly scored better on memory and problem solving tasks than those who were sedentary.

It may be that exercise, which promotes healthy circulation and gets the blood flowing through your entire body, helps nourish the brain by getting more nutrients to it on a regular basis.

Take a walk or take up swimming – or join a fitness group to combine social AND physical activities in one. You may try 30 minutes of moderate, aerobic exercise, three to four days in a week.

The importance of exercise cannot be overemphasized. You may want to look up exercise during pregnancy here.

6. Get enough sleep

Evidence shows that getting enough sleep may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to note that improved sleep may be linked to greater clearance of amyloid from the brain.

Therefore, try to sleep for seven to eight hours per night.

7. Protect your brain

Serious head injury may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. As a result, there is need to always protect your brain. For example, always wear a seat belt. Avoid opioid addiction which has brain injury and head trauma as some of the inherent dangers.

Also, protect yourself against falls when possible. Additionally, wear protective head gear when riding a motorbike or bicycle, and when participating in sports.

Conclusion

Doctors and researchers aren’t sure what causes Alzheimer’s disease. So there’s no surefire way to prevent it from developing.

However, researchers do know that people who share certain traits are much less likely to develop the symptoms though.

Therefore, stay fit, get active, get out with your friends often and do what you can to enjoy your life. As a prescription for preventing Alzheimer’s disease, it sounds like a great way to live!

Was this post helpful? Share your thoughts in the comments section.