The Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease

While new treatments are being developed all the time, Alzheimer’s is a disease for which there is no known cure. As discouraging as this is, the question arises, “Is there a way to prevent Alzheimer’s?”

There’s a lot of current information on how to eat right, stay fit, and keep healthy. We all want to live vital, productive lives as long as possible. Can developing these sound habits actually be part of the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease?

Current research (supported by the National Institute on Aging) and research being conducted by other private and public agencies seems to indicate that there are factors in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, or at least delay its onset.

Lifestyle Factors

A few years ago, the National Institute of Mental Health identified some different lifestyle factors that affect the emotional and mental health of aging adults, and these could be factors in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the causes of Alzheimer’s are things that we can’t control, but studies seem to indicate that we can do something proactively about other risk factors. While we can’t control our aging or our genetic make-up, overall good health habits do seem to lower our chances for contracting many severe diseases, Alzheimer’s being one of them.

We can choose a diet and exercise regime that lowers our cholesterol – or, if we already have high cholesterol, we can make sure to take the proper medication to control it. We also can make sure we control our blood pressure – again, through exercise and diet, as well as medication if necessary. High blood pressure has been proven to damage blood vessels in the brain, reducing its oxygen supply, and this can possibly lead to interfering with the nerve cells that relate to memory and thinking. So controlling our cholesterol and blood pressure are both an important part of the prevention of Alzheimer’s.

Scientists are also examining the possible link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The NIA is currently funding clinical trials to see if treating diabetes might affect the progression of Alzheimer’s. There is much you can do in terms of food choices and activity level to prevent diabetes, so again, this can be a tool in your arsenal of the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Keep Your Mind Active

Staying active socially, and engaging in activities that stimulate your brain are two more ways to aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. There is growing evidence that those who keep their brains active have a lower risk for Alzheimer’s. Activities that you might enjoy include puzzles, reading magazines, books, and newspapers regularly, visiting museums, attending cultural events, and pursuing new hobbies. Commit yourself to lifelong learning and your mind will stay much more active and healthy.

Take Your Vitamins!

Studies show that antioxidants (like vitamins E and C) fight free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals damage nerve cells, which could contribute to Alzheimer’s. There is evidence to support the claim that taking supplements can help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s.