Can I reduce the risk of developing a condition like Alzheimer’s disease?1423524

Though there has yet to be any definite information on what causes Alzheimer’s disease, and there is, as yet, no cure for the illness, research shows that some lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of developing the disease. These simple lifestyle changes can also slow the cognitive decline associated with Clinical Research for sufferers. There may be no way to know for certain that you could develop the disease – but if you take these preventative measures you may be able to avoid Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia as you age.

What exactly are these lifestyle changes? • Diet • Exercise • Socialization • Stimulation • Stress relief • Sleep How do those reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease? Looking at each of those lifestyle factors individually we can explain how and why they can reduce your risk factor, and improve or slow the decline of cognitive ability that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Diet Eating a healthy diet, where you avoid trans fats and saturated fat, reduce sodium and processed foods, and eat a wide range of fresh produce in a rainbow of natural colors, organic and locally sourced where possible, will help. Fresh, oily fish, olive oil, and following a fresh Mediterranean style diet keeps your body – and therefore your brain – healthy, and a healthy body and mind means that you have decreased the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Exercise Keeping your body healthy with a minimum of 30 minutes exercise each day will keep your brain healthy and your mind active and stimulated. This doesn’t need to be strenuous or high impact exercise – a short swim or a walk around your block is enough to make a difference to your health and mental wellbeing. Socialization One of the factors which can cause the most rapid decline in cognitive ability is isolation. Keeping a busy social life means that you are stimulated and happy, and using more areas of your brain forming new memories, recalling shared experiences, and engaging with other people. The more regularly you can do this, the healthier your mind. Regular socialization plays a vital role in reducing the risk of conditions like Alzheimers research and reducing the rate of decline if symptoms begin. It may be tempting to cancel plans if you’re beginning to feel confused or forgetful, but it’s important to maintain regular plans and meet friends or family at least twice a week. Stimulation Stimulating your mind through activities that make you use problem solving and analytical skills can maintain cognitive ability into old age and help to prevent Alzheimer’s. Things like word puzzles, number puzzles, jigsaws and board games, and engaging in craft hobbies or writing activities, stimulate the mind and keep more areas of your brain active than passive activities. This stimulation has been proven to reduce the risks of dementia, and to slow the rate of decline in dementia patients. Stress relief Chronic stress – or stress which lasts for a significant period of time – has been linked to damage in the nerve development within the hippocampus. This is the area of our brains which processes memories – not only forming new memories but accessing memory banks and forming links between older memories. It is important to avoid and to reduce stress in everyday life. Breathing exercises, regular exercise, meditation and talking therapy have all been proven to help to reduce stress. Reducing stress levels means that this memory forming and accessing process remains healthy and can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Sleep Similarly to stress, sleep deprivation can cause problems with things like cognitive ability, causing confusion, forgetfulness and changes in mood. These symptoms are similar to the early signs of conditions like Alzheimer’s. However, all can be improved by getting a healthy level of sleep – a minimum of eight hours a night for most adults – can improve these symptoms and reduce the risks of any long term effects.