Alzheimer’s disease is a specific progressive brain disease that accounts for 60-80 % of dementia cases. Alzheimer’s disorder destroys a person’s memory and ability to learn, reason, make judgments, communicate, and carry out daily activities.
Risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease:
Being older than 65
A family history of the disease
Inheriting genes for the disease from your parents
Existing mild cognitive impairment
Down syndrome
Unhealthy lifestyle
Previous head trauma
Being shut off from a community or having poor engagement with other people for extended periods
While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, recent research has shown that your everyday lifestyle choices could lower your risk of developing it. Here are some ways:
Exercise daily – We are not talking about hour-long sweat sessions. Twenty minutes of brisk activity can help and give oxygen to your brain. This is the number one priority and should be done every day
Eat the Mediterranean – A diet rich in produce, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), and fish reduces inflammation in the body and brain
Kick bad habits – If you smoke, quit. If you drink more than two drinks a day, cut back to one or fewer
Take your meds – Managing conditions like high cholesterol or blood pressure can protect your heart and brain
Engage your brain – Not just with puzzles but try to pick up a new skill, see friends, join a club, or volunteer. Learn something new, outside your expertise. Play brain games that are challenging.
Stay safe – Do your best to protect against falls, mini-strokes, or serious illness, which can hasten the disease
For more information please call AMA Medical Center at (781) 581-6181 or contact us online.
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