Alzheimer’s is classified as an irreversible disease, which means that once you have it, you can never go back to the way you were before. There are millions of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease each year, with the statistics reaching 32% of the elderly being affected. According to a recent scientific study, the brain of someone with Alzheimer’s disease changes 20 years before any symptoms occur.
Here at Bright Side, we researched various ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and gathered a list of things that we should all start doing at a relatively young age.
1. Exercise regularly.
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease up to 50%, according to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Not only does physical activity keep the blood flowing but it also increases chemicals that protect the brain. Exercise also tends to lessen some of the natural reduction in brain connections that occurs with aging.
2. Socialize.
Human beings are naturally social creatures. We like attention and communication and we never thrive for isolation. Staying socially engaged can actually protect our brain against Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to maintain and also develop strong social networks with people in order prevent Alzheimer’s. Not only will that benefit the brain, but also our mental health.
If you believe you are becoming more isolated as you grow older, here are a few things you can do to become more social and meet new people:
3. Improve your diet.
Alzheimer’s is usually described as “diabetes of the brain.” This is because some evidence shows a strong link between metabolic diseases/disorders and the signal-processing system. In Alzheimer’s disease, the presence of inflammation and insulin in the body resists injured neurons and prevent communication between brain cells. By adjusting to a healthier diet, you can help reduce inflammation and protect the brain.
ALWAYS talk to your doctor before starting any supplements!
4. Mental stimulation
Research suggests that people who keep trying to educate themselves and obtain more knowledge about various subjects are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia than those who do not. There are various stimulating activities and brain games that can be easily incorporated into a daily lifestyle in order to ensure maximal mental stimulation.
5. Get enough quality sleep.
It is very prevalent for people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease to experience insomnia and other sleep problems. A new study has shown that disrupted sleep is not, in fact, a symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease, but it is, instead, a risk factor.
Poor sleep equals higher levels of beta-amyloid — which is a brain-clogging protein that prevents deep sleep (REM Sleep) which is responsible for memory formation. If the lack of sleep affects your thinking and your mood, you have a greater chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Manage your stress.
Anxiety and chronic stress can take a heavy toll on the brain and that can lead to shrinking in parts of the memory area. This then prevents nerve cell regrowth and increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. When we get stressed, we produce a protein called beta-amyloid which is responsible for the massive neuronal cell death that accompanies Alzheimer’s.
A few more tips to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease:
Always remember what Juneval the Roman Poet wrote about the body: “Mens sana in corpore sano” which means “what’s good for the body is good for the brain: and vise versa.
Do you know any other ways to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? Please share them with us in the comment section below! And remember: Healthy Body = Healthy Mind!
Illustrated by Daniil Shubin for BrightSide.me
