Many people are sharing their stories about Alzheimer’s and how it had greatly affected them and their loved ones. Author Jack Weaver even details the love, hope, fears, and the hardships of Alzheimer’s on Going Going book. This degenerative disease is less talked about despite it being a widespread illness. Through the efforts of many authors with experience dealing with Alzheimer’s, they keep the hearts and minds of people engaged, ensuring that this condition will gain more publicity and become a political health priority.
Statistics say that approximately 50 million people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s disease. The thought of developing this condition can be a frightening prospect for anyone, especially since, little by little, your memories fade away. To this day, there has been no known cure for this disease, and you’ll probably only be hoping for the best. While there are no definitive answers to Alzheimer’s prevention, the research found actions you can take to reduce your risk of developing it.
Change Lifestyle
The most convincing evidence to help ward off Alzheimer’s is to change lifestyle. This is a complex disease with multiple risk factors which some are outside your control. But, this does not mean that you should not care for your brain health. The more you create healthy habits in your daily life, the longer your brain will stay working. The first habit you can develop is regular exercise as it can slow further deterioration of the brain. Exercise does not mean doing hard workout; instead, you can choose activities you enjoy, such as a 10-minute walk few times a day. Another habit you must build is your sleeping patterns. Poor sleep patterns slow your thinking and affect your mood. Sleep early and rest well. Sleep deprivation and lack of exercise are only two of the many bad habits linked to the development of Alzheimer’s. There are still plenty of bad habits you must start to trade for healthy ones.
Eat Healthily
Eating healthy and maintaining a balanced diet has always been advised by doctors to prevent a lot of sicknesses; this is also applicable to Alzheimer’s. Often, this condition is described as “diabetes of the brain,” therefore, to prevent it is to stay healthy. Certain diets and healthy eating patterns have been associated with cognitive benefits. By adjusting your eating habits, you protect not only your body but also your brain. Start by managing your weight, cutting down sugar, getting plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, relishing on fruits and vegetables, and drinking alcohol in moderation. Several studies suggest a Mediterranean diet meaning plenty of vegetables, beans, lean proteins, whole grains, fish, nuts, legumes, olive oil— and limited red meat and processed food. This diet helps fight against other diseases, cancers, diabetes, and cognitive decline.
Staying Socially and Mentally Active
It’s important to continue challenging your brain throughout your life. Whether you’re looking to prevent the onset or delay the progression of Alzheimer’s, the brain is the key to it. A number of studies back up this prevention measure. The direct mechanisms of social and mental stimulation strengthen connections in the brain. The step to maintaining socially active is as simple as interacting. You don’t need to be a social butterfly; all you need to do is regularly engage with someone who cares about you and make you feel heard. It’s never too late to meet new people and develop friendships.
Pursuing activities such as playing games, riddles, memorizing, and doing tasks you’ve never done before is a great way to keep your mind stimulated. Doing repetitive habits further deteriorates your mental capacity. Mental training improves your cognitive functioning that would last for years.
In conclusion, more research is needed to confirm specific Alzheimer’s prevention strategies. But, the above mentioned actions still promote good overall health.