Study Finds 1 in 3 Cases of Alzheimer’s is Preventable.

by DailyHealthPost Editorial

alzheimer's disease preventable

By looking at this list, we can see that all factors can be influenced by lifestyle and diet–in other words, preventable.

Some strategies for preventing general cognitive decline and the onset of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia:

1. Exercise

Not enough emphasis can be put on the benefits of regular vigorous physical activity for every body at every age.

Exercise promotes not only cardiovascular health but overall physical and mental well-being. Make sure to stay sufficiently hydrated.

2. Keep your brain active

Challenge yourself with puzzles, books, learning a language or new skill, taking a course at the local community college. Exercising your brain reduces your risk of dementia.[5]

3. Diabetes 

Cut out processed foods and refined sugars, eat more vegetables of all colors, eat healthful proteins and fats, and you can manage your blood sugar levels–often without pharmaceuticals.

Support your immune system and don’t eat foods you’re sensitive to, even if they taste good (watch the wheat and dairy!).

4. Hypertension

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High blood pressure has implications for all bodily systems. Exercise helps regulate blood pressure, as does diet. Moderate sodium intake.

5. Manage weight

If you are more than 10 pounds overweight, try to lose some to get as close to your optimal weight as you can (it’s different for each person so consult a professional to find out what that means for you).

Simple changes mean a lot in diet and lifestyle. Stay away from artificial sweeteners–they may have zero calories but they’ve been associated with obesity and neurologic decline.

6. Stop smoking

It’s incredibly difficult but so totally worth it. With the money you save, you can take a weekend vacation every year. You’ll feel better, look better, smell better, and live better and longer.

7. Meditate

There is a definite link between chronic stress and/or depression and the development of Alzheimer’s. Meditation has been found effective in reducing both.

Getting enough sleep is critical for brain and general health. Add herbs and foods to your diet that have been found to ease stress and depression. Maintain or cultivate an active social life; not only does it promote mental health, but physical brain health as well.[6]

Self-education

With the speed, prevalence, and ease with which we can now obtain information, lack of formal education in the U.S. is no longer an excuse for ignorance.

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With some exceptions, the great majority of people have access to a computer even if they don’t own one–check the public library. We can educate ourselves as well–or better–by doing our own research.

The results of this recent study should have all of us jumping up and down! We can reclaim power and control over our own lives, kicking aging and cognitive decline square in the derrière.

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